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THE 



ADVENTURES 



V OF 

CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH, 




THE 






FOUNDER OF THE COLONY 



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S^ VIRGINIA. 



BY 



™e author of "ukcle Philip's conversations." 
^ f^anc\s [^\%^&r V\-a.wWs 

v^ V^ NEWYORK: 

JV > D. APPLETON & COMPANY, 
>J ^rV 200 Broadway. 



MDCCCXLU. 



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ri \Q^ 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1842, 

By D. AFPLETON & COxMPANY, 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for 

the Southern District of New York. y 



r 2- ^ ^ 






TO 

HIS YOUNG FELLOW-CITIZENS 
THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES, 

AND ESPECIALLY THOSE OF THE 

STATE OF VIRGINIA, 
^fjis Volamt 

IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED, 

By .the Author. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

The birtli of John Smitn — His boyish restlessness — His early 
adventures and wanderings — His return home — His wan- 
derings resumed — After strange adventures, he enlists as a 
soldier against the Turks — His brilliant exploits as a sol- 
dier — He is taken captive at last and sold as a slave to the 
Bashaw Bogal — He sends him to Constantinople. Page 13 

CHAPTER II. 

Smith escapes from his captivitj'- — He wanders through Rus- 
sia and Poland, and is kindly entertained — Cordial meeting 
with his old friends, in Transylvania — He journeys to 
France, Spain, and Morocco — Returns to England — Happi- 
ness of his friends at meeting him — Meets with Bartholomew 
Gosnold,and determines to sail for the New World — Patent 
of King James for settling Virginia — Their ships sail — Un- 
kind treatment of Smith on the voyage — The colonists reach 
JamestoAvn — Smith is refused his place as one of the 
Council 34 

CHAPTER III. 

Noble conduct of Smith — Beginning of Jamestown — Wing- 
field's imprudence in not preparing a fort, and having the 



10 CONTENTS. 

men drilled to military exercises — Smith visits the chief 
Powhatan — Attack upon Jamestown by the savages — Smith 
demands a trial, and is acquitted — Newport sails for Eng- 
land — Sufferings of the colony — Selfishness of Wingfield — 
He tries to escape from the colony, is prevented, and de- 
posed from the Presidency — RatclifF is made President — 
Being a weak man, the care of the colony falls upon Smith — 
His excursion to Kecoughtan, to obtain supplies — His ad- 
ventures up the Chickahomony river — Is made a prisoner 
by the Indians — His treatment by the savages — Presents his 
compass to Opecanchanough, and saves his life thereby — 
Writes to Jamestown — Is led about among various tribes 
and at last brought to Werowocomoco, the residence of 
Powhatan 50 

CHAPTER IV. 

Smith is received by Powhatan in great state — The savages 
propose to kill him — His life is saved by the Princess Poca- 
hontas — he is released and returns to Jamestown — Troubles 
at Jamestown — He soon restores order — Kindness of Poca- 
hontas — Arrival of Captain Newport, in 1607 — His visit to 
Powhatan — Strange trafficking— Fire at Jamestown — Suffer- 
ings of the colony — Newport sails homeward — Smith re- 
builds the town — Arrival of Captain Nelson — Disturbance 
between Smith and Powhatan — Bold conduct of Smith — 
Peace is restored — Nelson sails for England. . . 71 

CHAPTER V. 

The adventures of Captain Smith during two voyages made 
in an open boat, for the purpose of exploring Chesapeake 
Bay 87 

CHAPTER VI. 

Smith enters upon his new duties as President — Arrival of 
Captain Newport — His plan for finding the South Sea — 



CONTENTS. 11 

Brings presents to Powhatan— Smith opposes the project — 
The project goes on — Smith's visit to Powhatan — Tells him 
of the presents — His haughty reply — The presents are 
brought to the chief— He is crowned — Newport attempts to 
find the South Sea and fails— Employment of the men — 
Smith's mode of breaking up the bad habit of swearing among 
his men — Bad conduct of the sailors — Departure of the ship 
— Letter of the Council in England to Smith — His reply — 
Smith goes to Nandsamond and obtains supplies — He after- 
wards attempts to seize Powhatan and his stores — Is be- 
trayed — The friendship of Pocahontas prevents his being 
captured 115 

CHAPTER VII. 

Powhatan by stratagem obtains arms at Jamestown — Smith 
visits Opechancanough — Treachery of the chief — Fearless 
behavior of Smith — Accident at JamestoAvn — Returns home 
— Rebukes the colonists for idleness, and sets them to 
work — Treachery of four Germans — Smith attempts to seize 
one of them — Is attacked by the chief of the Pashiphays — 
After a hard struggle captures the chief, and puts him in 
chains — The chief escapes — Meets the Pashiphays — Speech 
of Okaning — Incidents at Jamestown — Industry of the colo- 
nists — Want of food — Kindness of Powhatan — Mutinous 
conduct of some of the colonists — Smith checks it — Plot to 
Destroy Jamestown — is discovered and stopped — Arrival of 
Captain Argall. 145 

CHAPTER VIII. 

New charter granted by the king to the Virginia Company — 
Smith is deposed, and Lord Delaware made governor of 
Virginia — Seven ships arrive at Jamestown — Confusion in 
the colony — Courage and services of Smith — Friendship of 
the Indians toward him — Is seriously injured by an acci- 
dent — Conspiracy to murder him — Friendship of his old 



12 CONTENTS. 

soldiers— Returns to England— State of the colony at his 
departure — His loss is felt severely in the colony. 169 

CHAPTER IX. 

Smith's first voyage to New England in 1614— Treachery of 
Captain Hunt — Smith makes a map of the coast, and upon 
his return presents it to Prince Charles — Sails a second time 
for New England — Is taken by French pirates and carried a 
prisoner to Rochelle — Makes his escape during a storm — 
At length arrives in his own country — Publishes his descrip- 
tion of New England — Goes through the western part of 
England distributing copies of his book — Circumstances 
which brought the Princess Pocahontas to England in 1616 
— She meets with Smith — Touching interview — Embassy 
of Uttamatomakkin — Pocahontas dies in England, leaving an 
infant son — News of Opechancanough's massacre at James- 
town in 1622 — Smith proposes to revenge the death of his 
countrymen — In 1623, appears before King James's commis- 
sion for reforming abuses in Virginia — In 1631, dies at Lon- 
don, in the fifty-second year of his age. . . . ISO 



CHAPTER I. 

The birth of John Smith — His boyish restlessness 
— His early adventures and wanderings — 
His return home — His wanderings resumed — 
After strange adventures^ he enlists as a soldier 
against the Turks — His brilliant exploits as a 
soldier — He is taken captive at last and sold as 
a slave to the Bashaw Bogal — He sends him to 
Constantinople. 

In the life of Henry Hudson* Captain John 
Smith is spoken of as his " earhest and most 
cherished companion." Of all the remarkable 
men, who visited this new world for the purpose 
of planting colonies, and subduing the wilder- 
ness, there was none more remarkable than John 
Smith. His life was a perfect romance, filled 
with wild and roving adventures ; and I think 
my young countrymen will be both instructed 
and pleased by reading his history. Here, there- 
fore, it is. 

• See volume I. of A Library for my Young Countrymen. 

2 



14 JOHN SMITH. 

Unfortunately, we knew but little of the early- 
days of Hudson ; but Smith we can follow from 
his boyhood up. He was born in Willoughby, 
in the county of Lincolnshire, in England, of 
respectable parents, in the year 1579, and, from 
the earliest boyhood, began to shew his restless, 
roving disposition. He was sent to school, a 
very young lad, and soon distinguished himself 
among his school-fellows for his bold, manly, 
and adventurous sports. But books and schoolboy 
confinement did not please him. Scarcely yet 
thirteen years old, he sold his satchel, books, 
and whatever other articles he could part with, 
to raise money, that he might go to sea. All 
this was unknown, at the time, to his friends^ 
and he would probably have succeeded in get- 
ting away, had not the death of his father oc- 
curred at the time, and thereby prevented it. 
Now he was left in the hands of guardians. At 
the age of fifteen they placed him as an ap- 
prentice to a merchant at Lynn, hoping that this 
might suit his turn of mind, and prove both 
profitable and pleasant to him. Smith seems at 
first to have liked this, for his thoughts were 
still upon the ocean, and he hoped from time to 
time that his master would send him to sea in 
his service. But at last, disappointed in this, the 



JOHN SMITH. 15 

counting-house became wearisome to him, and 
he resolved to leave. With only ten shillings 
in his pocket, therefore, which he says was 
given to him by his friends " to get rid of him," 
he left Iris employer. It was not long before 
young Smith began to fear he had made a sad 
mistake. Afraid to report himself to his guard- 
ians, and fearful that, if he remained in England, 
they would find him, and put him to some other 
employment, it is said, he w^andered about in 
his poverty, scarcely knowing what to do ; his 
heart resolved only upon this one thing, to start 
abroad as soon as he could. He was a boy of 
too much principle to steal, and yet he was too 
poor to carry out his wishes. The story runs, 
that in this sad state of mind, after wandering 
another weary day, he was fortunate enough, in 
stopping at a public-house, to meet with a noble- 
man who was about embarking for France, and 
Smith was made happy, when he was allowed 
to enter his train, and go along with him. They 
journeyed on together now, until they reached Or- 
leans, in France, but here, from some cause, they 
parted. Whether the nobleman (as has been 
said) found Smith wild and ungovernable, or 
whether it was that he no longer had need of 
his services, here he dismissed him. Yet he 



16 JOHN SMITH. 

treated him with great generosity, for he gave 
him money, that he might return to England, 
and hve among his friends. 

Yet Smith had no thought of returning home, 
and now it was that his travels fairly com- 
menced. He first went to Paris, and after 
spending a little time there, he started for Hol- 
land. There was in him always a love of 
military life, a sort of military ardor; and 
I have supposed that he moved toward the 
" Low Countries," because, at that time, this 
was the battle-ground of Europe. A struggle 
was then going on between this country and 
Spain. Certain it is, that he had scarcely reach- 
ed the country, w^hen he enlisted as a soldier ; and 
now, for some time, he served in the army, 
greatly delighted with his new occupation. His 
restless spirit, however, grew weary at last, even 
of this. Meeting with a Scotch gentleman, (Mr. 
David Hume,) he was supplied by him with 
money, and letters to his friends in Scotland, 
and advised to go with him to that country. 
The principal inducement for his going was, (as 
his Scotch friend assured him,) that he would 
there find friendship and favor at the hands of 
King James. Now, then, he embarked for Scot- 
land. After suffering from shipwreck, and a 



JOHN SMITH. 17 

violent fit of sickness, he at length arrived there, 
and delivered his letters. These letters procured 
for him kind attention, and he was treated with 
great hospitality — though as far as the king 
was concerned, he met with little patronage and 
encouragement. His heart, therefore, began to 
turn homeward, and he soon started off for his 
native town, Willoughby. 

Upon his arrival, his friends were all delighted 
to see him, and were greatly pleased to hear him 
recount his travels. But this being over, he soon 
tired of the companions around him : and now 
he went to the woods and built him a Httle 
booth, where he might live alone to himself. 
Here he became very industrious in pursuing 
his studies. His fondness for a soldier's life 
set him upon the study of military history and 
tactics ; and from time to time he would amuse 
himself with sports of hunting and horseman- 
ship. His books, his horse, and his lance were 
almost the only objects that interested him. Af- 
ter a time, it became generally known that 
he was living in this quiet way : his strange 
habits were much talked of, and this induced an 
Italian gentleman, who was himself a great 
horseman, to visit him. He soon made the ac- 
quaintance of Smith, (for their tastes were alike,) 

2* 



18 JOHN SMITH. 

and at length persuaded him to leave his retire- 
ment, and come back into the world. His little 
lodge, therefore, was now deserted. 

His restless spirit soon prompted him again 
to roam. He now had the means of travelhng> 
(for he had received his portion of his father's 
estate,) and in spite of the remonstrances and 
entreaties of his friends, he resolved upon start- 
ing once more. Again led, I suppose, by his mili- 
tary ardor, he embarked for Flanders, hoping to 
play the part of a soldier against the Turks. But 
here his plans were altered. Accidentally meet- 
ing with four Frenchmen, (one of whom passed 
for a nobleman, and the other three for his attend- 
ants,) he was persuaded to join them, and travel 
with them into France. These men w^ere vil- 
lains, who noticing the youth and inexperience 
of Smith, (for he was now only nineteen, some 
say seventeen, years of age,) had resolved upon 
robbing him. They all accordingly embarked for 
France. It was a dark night when they arrived 
at St. Valery, in Picardy ; and now these im- 
postors had made so much of a friend of their 
captain, who was a villain like themselves, that 
they were prepared to carry their plan into ex- 
ecution. Accordingly, these four Frenchmen, 
with the captain at their head, now went ashore 



JOHN SMITH. 19 

in the boat, taking with them the trunks of 
Smith. The next morning the captain returned 
with the boat. Upon being asked why he had 
been gone so long, he stated, that he had been 
prevented from returning by the high sea : but 
the truth was, he had delayed only that his 
thievish companions might escape with their 
plunder before it was possible to overtake them. 
The crew suspected the villany of the com- 
mander, (for the luggage of Smith was now 
missed,) and it is said that they proposed to 
Smith to kill him, and seize the vessel and car- 
go. This, however, he very properly refused to 
do, and thus went ashore, poor and friendless. 
Indeed, his poverty was now so great, that he 
sold part of his clothing to pay his passage. 

One of the sailors now took compassion upon 
him, and paying his expenses, they travelled to- 
gether as far as Mortaine, where the villains 
lived, (for this sailor, it seems, knew them.) His 
journey proved useless, as far as his trunks were 
concerned, for being poor and without friends, 
he found it impossible to recover any part of his 
property. His desolate situation, however, called 
out the sympathy of many good people, and he 
was invited to their homes, kindly treated, and 
supplied with further sums of money. 



20 JOHN SMITH. 

Still eager to pursue his travels, and unwilling 
to remain, receiving favors which he could not 
return, he resolved upon leaving this place. 
With a hght heart, therefore, he started on foot 
toward the sea-shore, hoping, in some one of 
the seaport towns, to find a ship in which he 
might embark. In his wanderings, his money 
was soon again exhausted. It was during this 
journey that he accidentally met one day, near 
Dinan, one of the villains who had robbed him. 
Without saying a word, they both instantly drew 
their swords. A crowd gathered around them ; 
Smith had wounded him, and he forced the 
Frenchman to confess his guilt before the whole 
multitude. This, however, was all he obtained, 
for he found none of his property. Before he 
reached the sea-shore, he suffered many priva- 
tions. It is said, that after wandering one day 
through a forest, he was so much exhausted to- 
ward evening, by fatigue and exposure, that he 
threw himself down by a fountain, expecting to 
die there ; and would probably have died, had 
not a kind farmer discovered him, and once more 
supplied his wants. 

He now remembered an old friend, whom he 
had seen before, (the Earl of Ploy er,) and knew, 
if he could reach him, he would receive sympathy 



JOHN SMITH. 21 

and assistance. Accordingly, he managed to 
reach the home of this friend, and found all his 
hopes realized. The Earl treated him with 
marked kindness, and furnished him with money 
for his journey. He now travelled along the 
French coast to Bayonne,. and thence crossed 
over to Marseilles, noticing particularly, by the 
w^ay, any and every thing that fed his passion 
for naval and military exploits. At Marseilles 
he found a ship ready to sail for Italy. 

In this ship it happened that there were a 
number of pilgrims, going to Rome. Smith, 
however, took passage with them, and new 
troubles soon met him on the voyage. A storm 
at first drove the vessel into the harbor of Tou- 
lon: after the tempest had passed away, and 
they were again on their voyage, head winds 
ere long met them, and they were forced to an- 
chor under the little island of Saint Mary, off 
Nice, in Savoy. Here the pilgrims began to 
murmur and complain. Their bigotry and mad- 
ness induced them to suppose that Smith was 
the cause of their troubles, because he was what 
they called a heretic. They abused him, because 
he was a Protestant, and Queen Elizabeth of 
England, because she was known to protect 
the Protestant religion : and they were scarcely 



22 JOHN SMITH. 

again under way, when their madness carried 
them so far, that they seized Smith, and without 
any mercy, threw him overboard. What became 
of the pilgrims, I cannot say, but a merciful 
Providence watched over Smith, and sustained 
him through the struggle of swimming back to 
the island. Weak and exhausted, he was in a 
pitiable condition. He found no one near him — 
yet, with a heart of hope, he raised signals, 
trusting that some ship passing by might mark 
his distress. Fortunately, next day, a ship of 
Saint Malo put in at the island for shelter, and 
doubly fortunate he was when he found that the 
commander of this ship was Captain La Roche, 
a friend and neighbor to his old friend, the Earl 
of Ployer. Of course. Smith now met wdth every 
attention. In a little time the vessel proceeded 
on her voyage to Alexandria, in Egypt. Thence 
she coasted the Levant. On her return home- 
ward, she fell in with a Venetian vessel. The 
French captain tried to speak her, but was an- 
swered only by " a broadside," (the French ship 
being mistaken, I suppose, for a pirate.) A 
sharp action now commenced — Smith bearing 
a bold part in it. After a hard contest, the 
Venetian ship was taken, and found to be very 
richly laden. All that was valuable was seized, 



JOHN SMITH. 23 

and the conquerors divided the spoils. Smith, 
for his valor, received as his share, a box con- 
taining a thousand sequins, (about two thousand 
dollars.) At his own request now he was landed 
on the shore of Piedmont, and, with abundance 
of money, travelled through Italy, marking every 
thing that was interesting. His desire for mili- 
tary glory was, however, still uppermost in his 
heart, and crossing the Adriatic, he travelled on 
till he came to Gratz, in Styria, the seat of Fer- 
dinand, the Archduke of Austria. War was at 
this time raging between the Germans and the 
Turks ', and Smith, finding two of his country- 
men at the place, was soon introduced to Lord 
Eberspaught, Baron Kizel, Count Meldritch, 
and other officers of distinction. He at once en- 
hsted as a volunteer, to serve in the army against 
the Turks. 

It was not long now, before his genius had 
full scope to shew itself The Turkish army, 
(twenty thousand strong,) under Ibrahim Pasha, 
having ravaged the neighboring country, w^ere 
now laying siege to the strong town of Olym- 
pach. Lord Eberspaught was here, shut up with 
his army, and cut off from all supplies and com- 
munication w^ith his friends. Smith served in 
Baron KizePs army, who was endeavoring to 



24 JOHN SMITH. 

help Eberspaught in his perilous condition. De- 
sirous of sending a message to him, and finding 
it impossible, Smith now proposed to try his 
plan for communicating with him — a plan of 
which he had formerly talked with Eberspaught. 
This was by means of a telegraph, which he had 
invented. Kizel consented, and Smith now went 
at night with a guard, to a hill in sight of the 
town, yet far enough to be unobserved by the 
Turkish army. Raising his signals, he conveyed 
to Eberspaught this message : " Thursday night 
I will charge on the east ; at the alarm sally 
thouJ' The signal was understood, and the an- 
swer came back, " / will.'^* Making ready for 
Thursday night, he prepared a number of 
matches on a string, which he extended in a 
line, in a certain direction. Just on the eve of 
the attack, these matches w^ere fired, and ex- 
ploded like a roar of musketry. The Turks, 
thinking they were attacked in that quarter, sal- 
lied out to meet the enemy. Kizel, with his 
army, rushed upon them at the moment — the 

* Smith's method of communicating was by means of 
torches. Each letter from A to L was designated by shew- 
ing one torch as many times as corresponded to the letter's 
place in the alphabet — each letter, from M to Z, was desig- 
nated by shewing two torches after the same manner. The 
end of a word was signified by shewing three lights. 



JOHN SMITH. 25 

men in the garrison moved at the same time — 
the Turks were routed, numbers of them were 
slain, numbers driven into the river and drown- 
ed, and, two thousand of Kizel's men enter- 
ed the garrison. The next day, the enemy- 
was glad to abandon the siege. This gallant 
action gained great applause for Smith, and he 
was at once appointed to the command of a troop 
of two hundred and fifty horse, in the regiment 
of Count Meldritch. 

Flushed with success, the Emperor of Ger- 
many now resolved to prosecute the war boldly, 
and for this purpose three large armies were 
raised. Smith served in that commanded by the 
Archduke Matthias, the Emperor's brother. The 
principal command of this force, however, devolv- 
ed upon the lieutenant, the Duke Mercury, and 
Smith seems to have shared his particular confi- 
dence. Ere long, they laid "siege to Alba Re- 
galis, in Hungary. This w^as a town strongly 
fortified by the Turks. Smith's skill here an- 
noyed the enemy greatly, for he managed to 
throw bombs from a sling, in the midst of them, 
and two or three times succeeded in setting the 
place on fire. After an obstinate resistance, this 
place was taken with great loss to the Turks. 
So unexpected w^as this result, that the Turks 

3 



26 JOHN SMITH. 

could hardly believe themselves routed : and it 
is said, that one of their Bashaws, upon hearing 
the sad news, would eat nothing the whole day, 
but threw himself upon the ground, and con- 
tinued to pray to Mahomet to deliver his coun- 
trymen. The Sultan, however, could not rest 
satisfied with this defeat, and sent an army of 
sixty thousand men to recapture the place. The 
Duke Mercury, hearing of the approach of this 
vast number, was not dismayed, though his num- 
bers were comparatively small. He marched 
out to meet them, and, after a desperate battle, 
defeated the Turks once more. The fight must 
have been tremendous, for six thousand of the 
Turks (it is said) were left dead upon the field. 
Smith bore himself as usual, gallantly, through 
the whole, escaping narrowly with his life. His 
horse was shot under him, and he was severely 
wounded. 

In a little time, he was again at the head of 
his own company, and with Count Meldritch, 
marched into Transylvania. Here the Turks 
were committing their ravages, and the Count 
felt peculiarly excited against them, because his 
family possessions lay in that region. A strong 
body of Turks, after scouring the country, had 
now fortified themselves in the town of Regal, 



JOHN SMITH, 27 

among the mountains of Transylvania, and here 
they felt secure. With eight thousand men 
Meldritch laid siege to this place. Fortunately, 
he was soon after joined by Prince Moyses, with 
nine thousand more. The place was so strong by 
nature, and so strongly garrisoned, that the siege 
proved long, and seemed, indeed, almost useless. 
The Turks, feeling their strength, began to grow 
insolent. At length one of their number, the 
Lord Turbishaw, (for the purpose, as was 
said, of amusing the Turkish ladies,) sent a chal- 
lenge to any man of the Christian troops, who 
dared come out to fight him. Lots were now 
cast, to see who should accept this challenge ; 
and the lot fell upon Smith. The time for the 
meeting approached, and the battlements of the 
town were lined with ladies to witness it. Lord 
Turbishaw, elegantly dressed in a magnificent 
suit of armor, which blazed with gold, silver, 
and jewels, now rode out into the field. Three 
men attended him, one bearing his lance, and 
two others moving by the side of his horse. 
Smith rode out to meet him, attended only by a 
page, w^ho bore his lance. The trumpets now 
sounded, (as the signal for battle,) and the 
conflict commenced. It was soon ended; for 
Smith, with his lance, thrust the Turk through 



28 JOHN SMITH. 

the head, and he fell dead from his horse. Great 
was the shout of joy now raised by the Christian 
troops; and loud the lamentations among the 
Turkish ladies. The conqueror now cut off the 
head of Turbishaw, and bore it back in triumph 
among his comrades, leaving his dead body ly- 
ing upon the ground. This defeat was more 
than the Turks could well bear, and a particular 
friend of Turbishaw's, named Grualgo, was in- 
flamed with rage. Burning to revenge the death 
of his friend, he sent now a special challenge to 
Smith, to meet him. The challenge was at once 
accepted, and the next day fixed for the meet- 
ing. It was agreed this time that the conqueror 
should have the horse and the armor of the de- 
feated. In the morning they met. At their first 
attack, their lances were shivered — their pistols 
were then discharged, and both were wounded. 
Smith slightly, the Turk severely, in the arm. 
Smith now had the advantage. The Turk, from 
the wound in his arm, being unable to manage 
his horse, was easily slain ; his head was also 
taken from his body, and carried triumphant- 
ly to the Christian troops. His horse and his 
armor too, were now the trophies of the con- 
queror. Proud of his success, in a haughty 
spirit. Smith (by permission of his commander) 



JOHN SMITH. 29 

HOW sent his challenge to the Turks. If the 
ladies, he said, still desired amusement, and 
would choose their champion, he would add his 
head to the number he had taken, or lose his 
own. A champion was soon found in the per- 
son of a ferocious Turk, named Bonaraolgro — 
the challenge accepted, and terms agreed upon. 
As Bonamolgro was the challenged person, and 
had the choice of arms, having seen Smith's 
skill in using the lance, he avoided this, and se- 
lected for the weapons, pistols, battle-axes, and 
swords. The next day they met ; their pistols 
were first fired, without injuring either party, 
and then they fought with battle-axes. The 
Turk was more skilled than Smith in the use of 
this ; and dealing him a heavy blow, he un- 
horsed him, while his battle-axe fell from his 
hand. The ramparts now rung with the shouts 
of ladies, who supposed Smith was discomfited. 
But Smith was a fine horseman, and this saved 
him. In an instant, he rallied from the blow, 
remounted his horse, and by dexterous manage- 
ment of the animal, succeeded, not only in avoid- 
ing the blows aimed at him by the Turk, but at 
a favorable moment ran him through with his 
sword. Bonamolgro fell to the ground, and his 
head was also taken. The Turks were now dis- 

3* -^ 



30 JOHN SMITH. 

heartened, and ere long the town was cap- 
tured. 

The triumph of the Christian forces was now 
great ; but Smith's triumph was greater, for he 
was the special hero of the occasion. He was 
conducted to the pavilion of his general by a 
military procession of six thousand men. Be- 
fore these were led three horses, and in front of 
all were the three Turks' heads, borne on the 
points of three lances. Here he was received 
with great honor. The general embraced him 
warmly, presented him with a horse, richly ca- 
parisoned, a cimeter and belt, worth three hun- 
dred ducats ; and, best of all, in Smith's estima- 
tion, made him the major of a regiment of men. 
Nor was the honor of his exploits yet ended ; for 
afterwards, when the Prince of Transylvania 
heard of his valor, he presented to Smith his 
picture, set in gold ; gave him a pension of three 
hundred ducats a year, and granted him a coat 
of arras, bearing three Turks' heads in a shield. 
The motto of the coat of arms was this : " Vin- 
cere est vivere.^^ His fame was soon known at 
home, as well as abroad ; for this patent of the 
Prince was afterwards admitted and recorded, in 
the College of Heralds, in England, by Sir Henry 
Segar, garter king at arras. Smith (it is said) 



JOHN SMITH. 31 

always remembered this occasion with great ex- 
ultation, and to the last day of his life was proud 
of this motto. 

His passion for a soldier's life naturally enough 
grew stronger as he advanced in distinction, and 
he was soon again in active service. In Wallachia, 
which w^as at this time a Turkish province, the 
inhabitants revolted against the reigning prince, 
and proclaimed a new one Pressed with a 
hard struggle, they applied to the Emperor of 
Germany to aid them, and he at once took ad- 
vantage of their position, and met their entreaty. 
Count Meldritch, Smith, and other officers, with 
an army of thirty thousand men, went to the 
assistance of the new prince. The deposed 
prince, resolute upon maintaining his place, had 
gathered together his forces, and now met them 
w^ith an army of forty thousand Turks and Tar- 
tars. A desperate and bloody struggle followed : 
the army of the Turks was routed, and only fif- 
teen thousand made good their retreat. Twenty- 
five thousand Turks (it is said) lay dead or 
wounded upon the field, and the province was 
now subject to the Emperor. 

With a strong heart, the deposed prince was 
still bent upon holding his place. He gathered 
his troops again together, and was ere long heard 



32 JOHN SMITH. 

of in the province of Moldavia. Count Meldritch 
and Smith again met him. After several skilful 
and successful skirmishes against him, they seem 
to have been flushed with pride; and now pressing 
eagerly on in a narrow and mountainous pass, near 
the town of Rottenton, they were surprised by an 
ambuscade. Here an army of forty thousand 
men rushed suddenly upon them ; the Christian 
troops fought boldly and desperately, but to little 
or no purpose. They were overpowered by num- 
bers, and all were slain or wounded, except 
about thirteen hundred men, who, with Count 
Meldritch at their head, escaped by swimming a 
river. In this unfortunate struggle, Smith was 
badly w^ounded, and left (as his friends sup- 
posed) dead upon the field. In this, however, 
they were deceived. The Turks discovered him, 
bleeding among the heaps of the dead, and the rich- 
ness of his dress and armor, as it turned out, saved 
his life. Supposing him to be a man of rank 
and distinction, they w^ere too cruel to despatch 
him, but saved him, that he might suffer a more 
lingering and degrading torment than death. 
His wounds were dressed, and after he had suffi- 
ciently recovered, he, with many others of the 
poor prisoners, were taken to a Turkish town, 
and there sold as slaves, in the market-place. 



JOHN SMITH. 33 

It was Smith's lot to be purchased by the Ba- 
shaw Bogal -J and he now sent him as a present 
to his mistress, Tragabigzanda, in Constantino- 
ple, accompanying the present with this false- 
hood, that Smith was a Bohemian nobleman, 
whom he had made prisoner in war. 



t^ 



CHAPTER 11. 

Smith escapes from his captivity — He wanders 
through Russia and Poland^ and is kindly 
entertained — Cordial meeting with his old 
friends.) in Transylvania — He journeys to 
France^ Spain^ and Morocco — Returns to 
England — Happiness of his friends at meet- 
ing him — Meets with Bartholomew Gosnold, 
and determines to sail for the JVew World — 
Patent of King James for settling Virginia — 
Their ships sail — Unkind treatment of Smith on 
the voyage — The Colonists reach Jamestown — 
Smith is refused his place as one of the 
Council. 

Smith fared fortunately in the hands of his 
Turkish mistress. Being able to speak Italian, 
and struck with the manly and noble bearing of 
the captive, she from time to time held con- 
versations with him, and learned the utter false- 
hood of the Bashaw's message to her. Instead of 
a Bohemian nobleman, she discovered that the 
prisoner was an Englishman of good family, and 



JOHN SMITH. 35 

promising prospects ; that he was a soldier of 
fortune, who had fallen into his present position 
in the struggle near Rottenton, and had never 
seen the Bashaw, till they met in the market- 
place. Smith now told her the whole story of his 
wanderings, and the lady was captivated by the 
man, and his adventures. Finding her heart 
drawn toward him, and fearing that he might 
be ill-used, or again sold, she resolved to do 
what she could for his protection. She sent him 
therefore to her brother Timour, the Bashaw of 
Nalbraitz, who lived in the country of the Cam- 
brian Tartars, on the borders of the Sea of 
Azoph. To secure his good treatment, she sent a 
letter with him, requesting her brother to treat 
him kindly, and frankly telling him, that she felt 
a deep attachment for the prisoner. Her letter, 
however, instead of helping Smith, as she de- 
signed, only outraged her brother. He was 
greatly indignant at the thought, that his sister 
should love a Christian slave. In an hour after 
his arrival, he was stripped of all his clothing — 
his head and beard were shaved — an iron collar 
was fastened round his neck — and clothed in a 
suit of hair cloth, he was sent out to hard labor 
among other poor Christian slaves. 

Smith's situation was now pitiable enough; 



36 JOHN SMITH. 

but his bold spirit was unconquered. His com- 
panions in misery were sad and in despair ; yet 
he, though well nigh driven to despair, had ever 
the hope of being again free, and watched every 
opportunity of making his escape. He thought 
first of running away, but he found that he was 
watched so closely, that he could not move with- 
out being seen. Day after day, therefore, he la- 
bored on, but with a heart of hope, that he 
should one day be rid of his bondage. How 
long he was in captivity here, I cannot say, but 
he at last made his escape in the following 
manner. 

He was employed one day in threshing corn, 
at a farm-house, in a field, about three miles 
from the place where his tyrannical master liv- 
ed. The master was in the habit, at times, of 
visiting the laborers at their work, and at such 
times, not unfrequently, treated them with great 
cruelty. On this occasion he visited the farm- 
house, and having a personal dislike to Smith, 
was not satisfied with abusing him, but beat 
him and kicked him violently. This was more 
than the proud spirit of Smith could endure. 
Watching his opportunity, therefore, when no 
one was present, he gave him a blow with his 
threshing flail, and laid him senseless at his feet. 



JOHN SMITH. 37 

No time was now to be lost. He at once dressed 
himself in the Bashaw's clothes, hid his body un- 
der the straw, filled a bag with corn, closed the 
doors, mounted the Bashaw's horse, and gallop- 
ed olf into the wilderness. He was now free, but 
in the midst of a wild desert, ignorant of his way. 
In this desert he wandered for two or three 
days, not knowing whither he was going, and 
fortunately meeting no one who might have 
marked his iron collar, known him as a slave, 
and possibly recaptured him, or given notice, at 
least, of his flight. At length it was his good 
fortune to reach a cross-road, where a sign-post 
directed him, on the main road to Russia. Keep- 
ing this road, at the end of sixteen days, (dur- 
ing which time his bag supphed him with his 
only food,) he reached Ecopolis, upon the river 
Don, where there was a garrison of the Russians. 
The commander of the garrison, learning he was 
a Christian, treated him with great kindness ; 
his iron collar was taken off, and letters were 
given to him, introducing him very kindly to the 
other governors in that region. He now travelled 
on through Russia and Poland, meeting every 
v/here with kind attention. It was in some part 
of this journey that he met with the lady Calla- 
mata, who took a deep interest in him, and of 

4 



4 

38 JOHN SMITH. 

whom Smith ever speaks with the utmost grati- 
tude. At length he reached Transylvania. Here 
he was welcomed with the greatest enthusiasm. 
His fame was well known, and his old comrades 
crowded around him, rejoicing once more to see 
a friend, whom they supposed lost to them for 
ever. At Leipsic he had a joyful meeting with 
his old commander. Count Meldritch ; and the 
Prince of Transylvania, (it is said,) hearing of 
his arrival, sent for him, and gave him a present 
of fifteen hundred ducats, to repair his losses. 
Smith seems to have been so touched with this 
kindness, that he was almost ready to listen to 
the entreaties of these friends, and miake his 
home in their country. One thing alone pre- 
vented, and that was the longing desire, which 
naturally enough rested in his heart, to visit 
once more his native land. Who loves not the 
spot where he was born, and where he played in 
his boyhood ? With a sad heart, therefore, he 
tore himself from these friends, and journeyed 
on. - He passed through France, Germany, and 
Spain, observing, as was his custom, every thmg 
attentively on his way. Now he was turned 
aside from going directly home, by his old passion 
for military life. Learning that a civil war had 
broken out^ in the kingdom of Morocco, he im- 



JOHN SMITH. 39 

mediately sailed for that country, with the in- 
tention of embarking in the struggle. Upon his 
arrival, however, not being pleased with either 
of the contending parties, he determined to take 
no part in it whatever, and ere long set sail for 
England. Strange adventures were still in his 
way : for in his homeward course, he bore his 
part in another naval battle. The ship in which 
he sailed was attacked by two Spanish vessels 
of war, and, after a desperate and bloody fight, 
they were driven off. He soon now made his 
landing in England, having (it is reported) in 
his possession one thousand ducats, which, in ad- 
dition to some property which he held in Eng- 
land, enabled him, for the time, to feel quite in- 
dependent. 

Gieat was the joy between Smith and his 
friends now, in his native land. While he glad- 
ly told the story of his travels, they forgot the 
sorrows of his exile in the delight of hearing 
him. Their joy, however, was soon again over- 
cast, for his untired spirit began to pant for 
other adventures, and they knew that it was idle 
to attempt to restrain him. The circumstances 
which now roused his spirit, are circumstances 
in which we, as Americans, are nearly in- 
terested. 



40 JOHN SMITH. 

At this time, well nigh all Europe was filled 
with a desire for maritime discoveries, and no- 
where was this desire more ardent than in Eng- 
land. Several voyagers had now crossed the 
western waters, and seen portions of that New 
World which had been discovered by Columbus. 
Returning home, they had marvellous stories to 
tell of its richness and beauty. More than this 
had been done. Attempts had been made to 
colonize a part of the new continent. The bold 
genius of that noble Englishman, Sir Walter 
Raleigh, had (even during the reign of the pre- 
ceding sovereign, Queen Elizabeth) attempted 
to plant a group of adventurers upon Roanoke 
Island, off the coast of Carolina; and though 
this effort, with others, had failed, the desire for 
the same sort of adventure was still strongly felt 
in England; and as new tidings came from 
time to time of the beauty of the new world, this 
desire only increased. It happened about the 
time of Smith's return home, that Bartholomew 
Gosnold (who, in 1602, had made a voyage to 
New England) was talking largely of the pros- 
pects of the new world, and was himself desir- 
ous and ready to make another adventure there, 
for the purpose of planting a colony and sub- 
duing the wilderness. Meeting with Smith, he 



JOHN SMITH. 41 

found one ready to listen to his story and plans ; 
a strong friendship was soon formed between 
them, and they determined to link their hopes 
together in this new undertaking. They now 
set resolutely to work, to secure sufficient patron- 
age to carry out their design. Other voyagers 
returning home, confirmed from time to time the 
statements of Gosnold, and animated them the 
more in their efforts. Ere long, they found sev- 
eral noblemen and gentlemen, of like feeling 
with themselves, (among whom we should espe- 
cially remember Edward Maria Wingfield, a 
merchant, Robert Hunt, a clergyman, and Rich- 
ard Hackluyt,) and now they asked of King 
James a royal patent, for making new dis- 
coveries, and planting a colony in Virginia. 

The king met these proposals, and on the 10th 
of April, 1606, issued his letters patent to Sir 
Thomas Gates, Sir George Somers, Richard 
Hackluyt and others. By these letters, they 
were allowed to possess all the territories in 
North America, lying between the thirty-fourth 
and forty-fifth degrees of north latitude, and all 
islands within the same latitudes, wdthin one hun- 
dred miles of the shore. These adventurers, I 
believe, had asked the privilege of establishing 
two colonies. At all events, they were divided 

4* 



42 JOHN SMITH. 

into two companies — one known as the London 
or South Virginia Company — the other, as the 
Plymouth Company. The two companies were 
to make their settlements within the territoiy 
granted — one in the southern, the other in the 
northern part of it, and their colonies were to be 
kept one hundred miles apart. These colonies 
were to be governed by two councils, as they 
were called, both selected by the king — one coun- 
cil to reside in England, while the other resided 
in the colony, and all laws made by the Colo- 
nial Council were to be subject to repeal or al- 
teration by the king or Supreme Council at home. 
These terms were the best the petitioners could 
obtain, and the London Company resolved at 
once to act under them. 

f Some little delay was experienced in making 
all ready, so that the 19th of December arrived, 
before their ships were ready to sail from Eng- 
land. On that day three ships, one of one hun- 
dred, another of forty, and another of twenty 
tons, under the command of Captain Christopher 
Newport, fell down the Thames, bound on a 
voyage for Virginia. Of course, they were well 
stocked with men and provisions for a colony. 
Among the leading men on board, were Barthol- 
omew Gosnold, Captain Smith, Edward V^ing- 



JOHN SMITH. 43 

field the merchantj and Robert Hunt the clergy- 
man. They had with them, among other things, 
a sealed box, containing " orders for government 
in Virginia," which box was not to be opened 
until their arrival there. 

The ships were now detained for more than 
six weeks off the coast of England, by head 
winds; and murmurings and complaints arose 
among the adventurers. These, however, were 
allayed, in some degree, by the affection and per- 
severance of the good clergyman, Mr. Hunt. 
Though a sick man, he forgot his own troubles 
to make them happy. There w^ere some on 
board who hated (it seems) him, and his profes- 
sion, yet " all this" (we are told) " could never 
force from him so much as a seeming desire to 
leave the business, but he preferred the service 
of God in so good a voyage, before any affection 
to contest w^ith his Godless foes, whose disastrous 
designs (could they have prevailed) had even 
then overthrown the business, so many discon* 
tents did then arise, had he not with the water 
of patience, and his Godly exhortations, (but 
chiefly by his true devoted examples,) quenched 
those flames of envy and dissension."* At 

* Smith's Virginia— Vol. I., page 150. 



44 JOHN SMITH. 

length, with a fair wind, they shaped their 
course for the new world, by the old route of the 
Canaries and West India Islands. They had 
scarcely reached the Canaries, when their mur- 
murings became louder than ever, and it seems 
now that poor Smith was unconsciously the prin- 
cipal cause of them. His bold and manly bear- 
ing, together with his conversation, had excited 
the suspicion and jealousy of some of his com- 
panions. They declared that he had the desire 
and intention of murdering the council, and 
making himself king of Virginia, and that he 
had conspirators among the crew for that pur- 
pose. Smith was too proud to make any expla- 
nation, when he felt perfectly innocent, and the 
consequence was, that he was now seized and 
confined as a prisoner for the rest of the voyage. 
They were also, it is said, outraged with Mr. 
Hunt as his friend, and I presume his profession 
and prudence alone saved him from the same 
fate. They now steered from the Canaries, to 
the West Indies. Among these islands they 
spent three weeks, recruiting for their farther 
voyage, and seem to have been much pleased 
with the appearance of this new and strange 
region. Thence they moved off for Virginia. 
Visited with unsteady weather, for some time 



JOHN SMITH. 45 

they made but little progress — and having atone 
time lost their reckoning for three days, many 
of them became dissatisfied again, and urged 
strongly a return to England. Fortunately, a 
fine breeze relieved them in this time of discon- 
tent, and on the 26th day of April, 1607, they 
saw land, and entered Chesapeake Bay. The 
land first seen was on the north side of the en- 
trance to the bay. To this they gave the name 
of Cape Henry, and to the point on the south side 
of the entrance, the name of Cape Charles, both 
in honor of the sons of King James. They sailed 
into the first broad river which opened before 
them, naming it after their king, James River. 
For seventeen days now, they busied themselves 
in finding a convenient spot for their settlement, 
and during this period landed several times, and 
met the savages of the country. The first land- 
ing was at Cape Henry, where thirty of the ad- 
ventarers went ashore. Here they found on 
the flats abundance of oysters " laying as thick 
as stones," and the land was covered with wild 
flowers and fine strawberries. They were at- 
tacked by five savages, and two of their number 
badly wounded, before they drove them oflf with 
their muskets. Again they landed at Point 
Comfort, on the north side of the mouth of James 



46 JOHN SMITH. 

River, (a place so named by themselves because 
they tbmid good anchoras;e there, which gave 
them great comfort.) They met now some In- 
dians, who at first w^ere frightened, but upon one 
of the white men's laying his hand upon his 
heart, the savages felt that their intentions were 
peaceable, and came directly to them, inviting 
them to visit their town Kecoitghtan, the place 
Avhere Hampton is now built. The invitation 
was accepted, and when they reached the town, 
both parties were well pleased. The Indians 
feasted the stransfers on cakes of Indian corn, 
and entertained them with tobacco and a dance, 
while the whites, in their turn, presented to them 
beads and other trinkets. Then the chief of the 
Rappahannas, hearing of them, sent a messenger 
to invite them to come and see him, and to guide 
them to his home. This invitation was also ac- 
cepted, and they were received in great state by 
the chief and his people. They stood upon the 
banks of the river to meet them as they landed. 
As soon as they were ashore, the chief came be- 
fore them at the head of his train, " playing on 
a flute made of a reed, with a crown of deer's 
hair colored red, in fashion of a rose, fastened 
about his knot of hair, and a great plate of cop- 
per on the other side of his head, with two long 



JOHN" SMITH. 47 

feathers in fashion of a pair of horns, placed in 
the midst of his crown. His body was painted 
all with crimson, with a chain of beads about 
his neck ; his face painted blue besprinkled with 
silver ore ; his ears all behung with bracelets of 
pearl, and in either ear a bird's claw through it, 
beset with fine copper or gold." He now had 
his mat spread upon the ground, and while his 
people all stood around him, sat down and smok- 
ed his pipe of tobacco. This being over, he 
made signs to the whites to follow him to his 
town. He went first, leading the way, the 
Indians and whites all following, and after pass- 
ing through beautiful woods and rich fields of 
corn, they at length ascended a steep hill, and were 
at the palace of the chief of the Rappahannas. 
Here they were treated with great hospitality. 
Ascending the river, they afterwards saw a body 
of Indians, standing on the shore all armed, and 
their chief, Apamatica — holding in one hand his 
bow and arrow, and in the other his pipe of to- 
bacco — boldly demanded what they had come 
for. They made signs of peace, and were again 
kindly entertained by him. Still passing on, at 
the distance of thirty-two miles from the mouth 
of the river, they found the shore on the north 
side bold, and covered with heavy timber j and 



48 JOHN SMITH. 

the water near by being six fathoms deep, they 
were enabled to moor their ships to the trees on 
the land. The appearance of this spot pleased 
them more than any they had seen ; and upon 
being visited by the chief of the Pashipays, who 
offered them as much land as they needed for 
their purpose, and gave them a deer for their en- 
tertainment, they determined here to make their 
settlement. It was now the 13th of May — they 
went ashore, pitched their tents, and gave to the 
spot the name of Jamestown. When the sealed 
box containing their orders was opened, it was 
found that Bartholomew Gosnold, John Smith, 
Edward M. Wingfield, Christopher Newport, 
John Ratcliff, John Martin, and George Kendall, 
were named as the council for the colony. Their 
instructions were to choose a president from 
among their number, for one year, and he, with 
the holp of the other counsellors, was to manage 
the affairs of the colony. Matters of importance 
were to be " examined by a jury, but determined 
by the major part of the council, in which the 
president had two voices." Edward M. Wing- 
field was at once chosen president, and with all 
the others, except John Smith, sworn into office. 
They were still jealous and suspicious of this 
man, (fi'om no good cause whatever, as we shall 



JOHN SMITH. 49 

see,) and thus refused him the place to which 
he had been appointed. In fact, they even 
"vrent so far as to set forth a declaration to the 
whole colony, shewing why he was not admitted 
to his office. 



50 



CHAPTER III. 

Jfoble conduct of Smith — Beginning of James- 
town — Wingfieldh imprudence in not prepar- 
ing a fort^ and having the men drilled to mil- 
itary exercises — Smith visits the chief Powha- 
tan — JJttack upon Jamestown by the savages — 
Smith demands a trials and is acquitted — J\''ew- 
p.ort sails for England — Sufferings of the col- 
ony — Selfishness of Wingfield — He tries to 
escape from the colony, is prevented^ and de- 
posed from the Presidency — Ratcliff is made 
President — Being a weak man^ the care of the 
colony falls upon Smith — His excursion to 
Kecoughian^ to obtain supplies — His adven- 
tures up the C kickahomony river — Is made 
a prisoner by the Indians — His treatment by 
the savages — Presents his compass to Opecan- 
chanough, and saves his life thereby — Writes to 
Jamestown — Is led about among various tribes, 
and at last brought to Werowcomoco^ the resi- 
dence of Powhatan. 

The injustice clone to Smith formed good 
ground for a quarrel, (and he had some friends 
among the colonists,) but his own magnanimity 



JOHN SMITH. 51 

prevented it. They were all in a wilderness, 
and much was to be done ere they could call 
themselves at home. He forgot his own trouble, 
therefore, in thinking of the good of the colony. 
All hands now set resolutely to work. Some 
went to clearing the forests, some to digging and 
preparing garden-spots, some to making nets, 
fixing up their fishing-tackle, &c. The Council 
planned a fort, but from some cause. President 
Wingfield did not desire a regular fortification, 
and to please him, the fort was made to consist 
only of the boughs of trees, loosely laid together 
in the sbape of a half moon. Some of the Coun- 
cil, too, were in favor of having the men regular- 
ly drilled to military exercises, that they might 
be ready at any time to meet an attack from the 
savages, which attack they thought not unlikely 
to take place ; but this too was thought idle by 
President Wingfield, and consequently was neg- 
lected. 

Desirous of learning something of the coun- 
try, Newport and Smith were despatched with 
twenty men, to discover the head of the river. 
They passed, as they went up, many small 
habitations, and on the sixth day reached the 
falls of the river, where they erected a cross, 
and took possession of the country in the name 



52 JOHN SMITH. 

of King James. Near by, they visited the famous 
Indian town, Powhatan. This consisted only of 
twelve houses, pleasantly situated upon a sloping 
hill, and was at the time the residence of the cele- 
brated chief after whom it w^as named. Powhatan 
(whose name rang through that region as the 
greatest of Indian chiefs) received them with 
great kindness, and was greatly delighted with 
a hatchet, which was presented to him by Cap- 
tain Newport. Some of his men seem to have 
been suspicious of the English, and murmured 
at their coming among them ; but Powhatan re- 
buked them, saying, " Why should we be of- 
fended 7 they hurt us not, nor take any thing 
by force : they want only a little ground, which 
"we can easily spare." The English now left 
him and returned to Jamestown. 

Great w^as their surprise, on reaching home, 
to find that the colony had been attacked by the 
savages — seventeen of their companions wound- 
ed, and one boy killed. It was fortunate too 
that they heard nothing worse than this: for the 
whole company came near being massacred. 
The colonists had not looked for the attack, and 
were all unarmed, and the only thing that saved 
them was, that " a cross-barre shot from the ships 
struck doAvn a bough of a tree in the midst of 



p 
JOHN SMITH. 53 

the Indians, and caused them to retire." The 
president now saw his folly — the fort was at 
once palisadoed — five pieces of artillery were 
mounted upon it ; and it was ordered that, after 
this, the men should be armed and drilled 
to their exercises. A regular guard was estab- 
lished at night, also in the settlement, and the 
men were cautioned about straggling into the 
forests. 

Six weeks had passed away, and the ships 
"were well nigh laden for a return to Eng- 
land. The accusers of Smith now came for- 
ward, and, in pretended mercy, offered to send 
his case home, to be judged by the Council in 
Englan<i. They were unwilling to try him them- 
selves, (they said,) because they did not wish to 
blacken his reputation, and perhaps take away 
his life. Conscious of his innocence. Smith 
spurned their proposal. He knew that his whok 
conduct had been uniformly for the good of the 
colony, and he now^ demanded that it should be 
rigidly looked to — that he should be tried upon 
the spot. The witnesses were brought for- 
ward. Falsehood after falsehood was soon de- 
tected among them. Some of them were convicted 
of perjury, and the whole company at once saw 
his innocence. His accusers were now con- 

5* 



54 JOHN SMITH. 

founded. It was seen that Wingfield's jealousy 
of Smith had urged false witnesses against him, 
and it was decided that the president should pay 
him two hundred pounds for the injury he had 
done him. His property was at once seized, and 
the two hundred pounds raised and paid over to 
Smith, who immediately placed it in the public 
treasury, for the good of the colony. Thus, 
after a patient imprisonment of thirteen weeks, 
he triumphed over his enemies ; and his generous 
and noble conduct had made him the most 
popular man in the colony. He was now ad- 
mitted to his place in the council, and by his in- 
fluence and that of the good preacher, Mr. Hunt, 
other little difficulties, which had arisen among 
the colonists, were soon settled. The next Sun- 
day they all went in harmony to the communion: 
the neighboring Indians soon after came in, de- 
siring terms of peace, and on the 22d of June, 
Captain Newport was enabled to sail home- 
ward, bearing good news along with him. He 
left behind him, at Jamestown, one hundred and 
four souls, and promised to be back among them 
in twenty weeks, with fresh supplies. 

Thus left, the colonists ere long began to suf- 
fer for the want of provisions ; indeed, the want 
(it is said) was felt at times before, and had been 



JOHN SMITH. 55 

relieved at such times, by such suppHes from the 
ships' stores as the sailors could furnish. Some, 
from this circumstance, have supposed that the 
company at home was at fault, in not fitting out 
the expedition better, and supplying it with ampler 
provisions ; but this censure would hardly seem to 
be just. The truth is, the colonists, instead of a 
voyage of two months, (as was calculated,) had 
made one of five, and consumed during this time 
a large part of their stores; and then they had ar- 
rived in Virginia too late for the spring plant- 
ing, and thus failed in another expectation. 
This seems to have caused the difficulty. Be 
this as it may, the want occurred, and they were 
now reduced to a regular daily allowance of a 
half pint of barley, and a half pint of wheat. 
To make their fare worse, the grain, from 
having been so long in the ship's hold, was 
^filled with insects. Yet this diet they gladly 
received, adding to it, from time to time, such 
'fish as they could take from the river. They 
still kept on with their labors, however, exposed 
as they were to the scorching rays of the sun by 
day, and lying upon the ground, with a poor 
shelter over them, at night. As might have 
been expected, starvation, exposure, and anxiety, 
brought on disease before the end of the fall 



66 JOHN SMITH. 

season. By the end of September, fifty of their 
number had died, among whom was Bartholo- 
mew Gosnold. The rest were now divided into 
three watches, (for they still kept up the pre- 
caution of a w^atch,) and of these not more than 
five in each watch were fit for duty at one 
time. During this period of sad distress, the presi- 
dent (it is said) thought only of himself. He 
was well through the whole of it; and is charged 
with having seized and secreted provisions for 
his own use. His after conduct seems to con- 
firm the charge — at least it shews that he had 
but little sympathy with the sufferers. He, 
with Kendall, was soon detected in a plan which 
they had formed for seizing the pinnace, which 
belonged to the colony — deserting the settle- 
ment, and escaping to the West Indies. The 
settlers were now enraged, and at once took 
from him the presidency, and banished Kendall 
from the council. John Ratcliff was chosen 
president in his place, and he, with Martin and 
Smith, were now the only members of the coun- 
cil left. 

Ratohff and Martin were men of little courage 
or resolution, and thus the management of the 
colony fell almost altogether upon Smith; nor 
could it have fallen upon a better or abler man. 



JOHN SMITH. 57 

The first thing to be done was to obtain supphes, 
and these they soon had without any difficulty. 
Fortunately, their Indian neighbors proved friend- 
ly, and came in, bringing such quantities of food 
as they could spare. Their hearts were now 
cheered ; and Smith, knowing that it was neces- 
sary to make preparations for the approaching 
winter as rapidly as possible, at once set the 
men to work, resolutely leading the way himself. 
His words and his example encouraged them. 
They commenced cutting timber for building 
houses, and mowing and binding thatch for cov- 
ering them ; so that in a little time, Jamestown 
was a comfortable village, in which every man 
had a shelter and home, except Smith himself. 
The stock of provisions which the Indians had 
brought in being now nearly exhausted, it was 
necessary to look out for more. He chose, there- 
fore, five or six of the best men as his compan- 
ions, and, well armed, they went down the river 
in the shallop to Kecoughtan, the place where 
Hampton now stands. Here they found but lit- 
tle good feeling toward them. The Indians, 
knowing their necessity, and the starving state 
of the colony, treated them with great contempt. 
When they offered to trade with them, the sava- 
ges would give them only an ear of corn for a 



58 JOHN SMITH. 

sworrl, a musket, or one of their garments. Pro- 
voked by such conduct, and finding that they 
were not hkely to obtain anything by kind and 
gentle treatment, Smith now resolved upon a 
bold experiment. He ordered the boat to be 
drawn ashore, and his men to fire their muskets. 
The fiightened Indians now fled to the woods for 
shelter : and the party immediately went to their 
houses, searching for corn. Of this they found 
an abundance: but Smith would not allow them 
yet to touch it. Fearing the treachery of the In- 
dians, he supposed they w^ould soon appear again 
and make a general attack upon him. He there- 
fore made ready for them : nor was he disap- 
pointed. In a little time some sixty or seventy 
of them, painted of different colors, were seen 
advancing in the form of a hollow square, bring- 
ing their idol Okee in the midst of them. This 
idol was nothing more than a figure made of 
skins, stuffed wath moss, and ornamented with 
chains of copper. The savages were armed 
with clubs, bows and arrows, and approached in 
great confidence, singing and dancing. Smith 
and his men again discharged their muskets, 
bringing many of them to the ground, and 
with them their idol Okee. The battle was at 
once over ; the rest now fled to the woods, and 



JOHN SMITH. 59 

soon after sent some of their number to beg for 
peace, and to recover their idol. Smith, now tri- 
umphant, was in a condition to make his own 
terms. He agreed that if six of them, unarmed, 
would come and load his boat with corn, he 
w ould return their idol, be their friend, and give 
them presents of beads, hatchets, and copper. 
The terms were faithfully performed on both 
sides ; indeed, the Indians were so much pleased, 
that they brought, besides, venison, turkeys, and 
other game, and kept up their singing and danc- 
ing until the white men left for Jamestown. 

Finding himself so successful in this enterprise, 
Smith now, from time to time, as provisions were 
needed, continued his excursions — sometimes on 
foot, sometimes in the boat. He discovered most 
of the branches of the James river, and explored 
the country extensively. In one of his excur- 
sions, he was particularly struck with the fertile 
banks of the Chickahomony river, and marked 
it as a region where, in time of want, he migh^ 
probably obtain plentiful supplies from the In- 
dians. But his efforts at aiding the colony were 
continually thwarted by bad management during 
his absence. Ratcliff and Martin w^ere weak 
men, and allowed the stores to be wasted, which 
he with so much labor procured. They suffered, 



60 JOHN SMITH. 

too, the natives to come into the settlement from 
time to time, trading, and the whites in their bar- 
gains outbidding one another at times, soon 
taught the savages to set a high value upon all 
their articles, and to complain if they did not 
always receive the highest prices. Thus, a dis- 
contented spirit soon prevailed among them. 
Troubles, too, were continually fostered by bad 
men in the colony. Wingfield and Kendall, dis- 
satisfied at their treatment, made loud complaints, 
and at one time, during Smith's absence, plotted 
to steal the shallop, (which had been made 
ready for a trading voyage,) and make their 
escape to England. Smith returned in time, how- 
ever, to prevent this, though it was done with 
difficulty. It was necessary to do it forcibly, and 
Kendall was killed. Soon after this, Ratcliff, 
with a man named Archer, equally dissatisfied, 
attempted the same thing, but these also were 
prevented from carrying out their plans. You 
perceive, therefore, what struggles Captain Smith 
had to encounter. He had enemies around him 
in the savages, and enemies at home in the colo- 
ny, while almost from day to day he had to pro- 
vide for the wants of his well nigh starving 
countrymen. Yet he was resolved to keep pos- 
session of the country, and difficulties only roused 



JOHN SMITH. 61 

him the more, to carry out this strong resolution 
Fortunately, as winter approached, a plentiful 
supply of wild fowl were taken, and making 
friends of the Indians from time to time, they 
brought him quantities of corn, beans, and pump- 
kins. He was in fact now the father of the 
colony : the people turned to him in all theii 
troubles, and by looking closely to their wants, 
he manao-ed to secure most of them as warm 
friends to himself. 

It is well nigh impossible to please all men : 
and Smith soon found that some few were com- 
plaining of him, that he had not done all that he 
could for their relief He had, as I have told 
you, discovered the Chickahomony river — and 
the complaint now was, that w^anting resolution, 
he had not explored it to its source, made friends 
of the Indians there, and opened the way for a 
continued supply from them. Resolved that such 
a complaint, however groundless, should no lon- 
ger exist, he now fitted up the boat, and taking 
some of the men, started for that river. He went 
so high up the stream this time, that he was forced 
to cut the trees that had fallen into the river, that 
the boat might pass through. At length, having 
moved up as high as the boat would float, she 
was dragged ashore to a safe place, and the men 

6 



62 JOHN SMITH. 

were ordered to remain there with her, until he 
should come back. Taking now two of his 
men, with two Indians as guides, he moved up in 
an Indian canoe, to the meadows at the head of 
the river. Here he left his two men with the 
canoe, and with the guides passed on for many 
miles over the meadows. Smith's men disobey- 
ed his orders, and consequently brought trouble 
upon the whole party. Instead of remaining 
with the boat, they went straggling into the 
woods, and ere long were discovered by a party 
of three hundred Indians. These Indians w^ere 
commanded by Opechancanough, the brother of 
Powhatan. The crew all escaped with great 
difficulty, except one man, who was made pris- 
oner. The Indians now forced him to tell all 
that he knew, and particularly where Captain 
Smith was, and then put him to death. Follow- 
ing the stream in search of him, they came, be- 
fore a great while, to the two men left with the 
canoe. These poor fellows were sleeping by a 
fire which they had kindled, and were instantly 
murdered. Ere long they discovered Smith in 
the meadows, and immediately let fly their ar- 
rows at him. One of these struck him in the 
leg, and wounded him badly. His situation was 
perilous enough, but he did not for a moment 



JOHN SMITH. 63 

lose his presence of mind. He instantly seized 
one of his Indian guides, and tied him with his 
garter to his left arm. This man he used as his 
shield ; and having his gun with him, he kept up 
a fire upon them as fast as he could. Three of 
them fell dead, and several were wounded. For- 
tunately, his gun carried farther than their bows, 
and they kept at some distance. During all this 
time, he was retreating as rapidly as he could to- 
ward the canoe ; but watching his enemies, and 
not marking his footsteps, he with his guide sunk 
to the middle in a hole in the meadow, and 
stuck fast in the mud. His courage had so 
amazed the Indians, that they dared not approach 
him, helpless as he was, and incapable now of 
doing them any injury. At last, almost dead 
with cold, he threw away his arms, and begged 
that he might be taken. They now came up, 
drao-o-ed him out, and led him to the fire. Here 
he saw the dead bodies of his two countiymen, 
and knew at once what would probably be his 
fate. Still he was calm. The Indians chafed 
his cold limbs, and he now called for th-eir chief 
Opechancanough. Knowing that to beg for his 
life was only to lose it, when the chief came be- 
fore him he drew from his pocket his ivory 
compass and dial, which he carried to guide him 



64 JOHN SMITH. 

in his wanderings, and presented it to him. The 
chief and his people were greatly pleased. The 
motions of the needle, which they could see but 
not touch, delighted and astonished them. Smith 
had been in the country long enough to know 
something of their language, and marking their 
feelings, he now began to explain to them the 
use of the compass — the discoveries that had been 
made b}^ means of it — to talk " of the earth, the 
skies, sun, moon, and stars, and how the sun did 
chase the night round about the world continually, 
the greatness of the land and sea, the diversity of 
nations, variety of complexions,"* &c., while the 
savages stood amazed with admiration. 

In a little time, however, their astonishment 
was over, and they were ready to execute him. 
They now tied him to a tree, and prepared with 
their bows and arrows to despatch him. Just at 
this time, the chief held up the ivory compass, 
the savages threw down their arms, and forming 
themselves into a military procession, led the 
poor captive in triumph toward their village 
Orapaxe. They were very particular in arrang- 
ing the order of this triumphal march. They 
ranged themselves in single file, their chief or 
king being in the midst, and before him were 
* Smith's VirgLaia— Vol. L, page 158. 



JOHN SMITH. 65 

borne the swords and muskets taken from Smith 
and his companions. Next to the chief came 
Smith, held by three of the stoutest of their 
number, and on each side a file of six archers. 
When they arrived at the village, the old men, 
women, and children came out to meet them, 
and were greatly amazed and delighted when 
they saw the prisoner. Some strange manoeu- 
vres were now performed by the warriors, and 
at length they formed themselves into a circle 
around Smith and their chief, and commenced 
dancing and singing. Their looks and sounds 
were strange enough to Smith. They were all 
painted, dressed up in furs and feathers, and be- 
sides yelling, made a great noise by brandishing 
their rattles, which were made of th^ tails of rat- 
tlesnakes. This circular dance was performed 
three times, and Smith was then conducted to a 
long hut, and forty men placed there to guard 
him. Here he was feasted so bountifully with 
Indian bread and venison, that he began 4:o think 
they werefattening him only to kill and devour him. 
Kindness will win the heart of almost any 
man, and Smith now perceived the effect of it 
upon the heart of a savage. One of the Indians, 
to whom it seems he had formerly given some 
green beads, and other trifling trinkets, now came, 

6* 



66 JOHN smTH. 

presenting to him a garment of furs, to protect 
him from the cold. The name of this man was 
Maocassater^ and it deserves to be remembered. 
Very different from this was the conduct of 
another Indian, an old man, who tried to kill 
him, because his son was dying. Whether it was 
that he supposed that Smith, by some enchant- 
ment, had made his boy sick, or w^hether the son 
had been wounded in battle, we are not told. 
At all events, the old man's revenge was curbed, 
and the prisoner was conducted by his guard to 
the dying youth. He now told them that he had 
a medicine, at Jamestown, that would cure him, 
if they would allow him to go and bring it, but 
this they refused to do. They were unwilling 
to part wnth him, for they were all making 
ready for an attack upon Jamestown, and cal- 
culated upon great assistance from him. They 
needed him as a guide, and now they made 
large offers to secure his services. They promised 
him his life, liberty, and as much land as he 
should wish for, if he would only aid them. Smith 
told them of the great difficulty of the under- 
taking, talked to them of the guns, mines, and 
other defences of the place. All this terrified 
them, but did not dissuade them from their in- 
tention. He was now permitted to WTite a note 



JOHN SMITH. 67 

to Jamestown, asking for the medicine, and 
some other things that he desired, and some of 
the Indians were to deliver it. Taking advantage 
of this, he tore a leaf from his pocket-book, and 
WTote the note, asking for what he needed, 
telling his countrymen of his situation, of the 
designs of the savages, and the best way of 
frightening the messengers, when they should 
arrive there. Through frost and snow the mes- 
sengers made their way, and ere long came near 
Jamestown. The whites, seeing them, sallied 
out to meet them, and the frightened Indians, 
dropping their note, ran away. At night, tak- 
ing courage, they returned, and discovered all 
the articles which Smith had sent for, on the 
very spot where he told them they would find 
them. Gathering them up, they now returned 
homeward, telling their countrymen of the mar- 
vellous sights that they had seen ; and wonder- 
ing, most of all, at the power of the speaking 
leaf, which had secured for Smith the articles 
sent for. 

What they had seen, induced the savages to 
give up the thought of an attack upon James- 
town, and looking upon Smith as a wonderful 
man, they now led him about the country, mak- 
ing a show of him. They passed Avith him 



68 JOHN SMITH. 

through several tribes of Indians, on the Rap- 
pahannoc and Potowmac rivers, and at length 
brought him to Pamunkee, the home of Ope- 
chancanough. Halting here, they performed a 
strange ceremony, the design of which (as they 
said) was to find out whether Smith's feelings 
toward them were those of a friend or enemy. 
The ceremony was as follows : 

" Early in the morning a great fire was made 
in a long house, and a mat spread, on the one 
side as on the other; on the one they caused 
him to sit, and all the guard went out of the 
house, and presently came skipping in a great 
grim fellow, all painted over with coal, mingled 
with oil ; and many snakes, and weasels' skins, 
stuffed with moss, and all their tails tied together, 
so as they met on the crown of his head in a 
tassel ; and round about the tassel was a coronet 
of feathers, the skins hanging round about his 
head, back, and shoulders, and in a manner 
covered his face ; with a hellish voice, and a 
rattle in his hand. With most strange gestures 
and passions, he began his invocation, and en- 
vironed the fire with a circle of meal: which 
done, three men, like devils, came rushing in, 
with the like antic tricks, painted half black, 
half red ; but all their eyes were painted white, 

t * 



JOHN SMITH. 69 

and some red strokes, like mustachios, along 
their cheeks : round about him, these fiends 
danced a pretty while, and then came in three 
more as ugly as the rest, with red eyes and w^hite 
strokes over their black faces; at last they all 
sat down right against him ; three of them on 
the one hand of the chief priest, and three on 
the other. Then all, w^ith their rattles, began 
a song : which ended, the chief priest laid down 
five wheat corns : then straining his arms and 
hands w-ith such violence that he sweat, and his 
veins swelled, he began a short oration : at the 
conclusion, they all gave a short groan, and 
then laid down three grains more. After that 
began their song again, and then another ora- 
tion, ever laying down so many corns as before, 
till they had twdce encircled the fire ; that done, 
they took a bunch of little sticks, prepared for 
that purpose, continuing still their devotion, and 
at the end of every song and oration, they laid 
down a stick between the divisions of corn. Till 
night, neither he nor they did eat or drink, and 
then they feasted merrily, with the best pro- 
visions they could make. Three days they used 
this ceremony : the meaning whereof, they told 
him, w^as to know if he intended them well or 
no. The circle of meal signified the country, 



70 JOHN SMITH. 

the circle of corn the bounds of the sea, and the 
sticks his country. They imagined the world to 
he flat and round, like a ti^encher, and they in 
the midst."* Smith, of course, did not under- 
stand the meaning of all this, nor did he know, 
at the end of it, whether they discovered him to 
be a friend or foe. 

This ceremony being over, they brought him 
a bag of gunpowder, telling him that they 
should mingle it with their corn, and plant it the 
next season. He was now invited by Opitcha- 
pan (one of the brothers of Powhatan) to come 
and visit him. He went to his home, and was 
welcomed " with platters of bread, fowl, and 
wild beasts;" but, as usual, not one of the savages 
would eat with him. After this they brought 
him to Werowocomoco, the residence of their 
great Emperor Powhatan. 

* Smith's Virginiaj vol. i. page 161. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Smith is received by Powhatan in great state — 
The savages propose to kill him — His life is 
saved by the Princess Pocahontas — He is re- 
leased and returns to Jamestown — Troubles at 
Jamestown — He soon restores order — Kindness 
of Pocahontas — Arrival of Captain JVewport^ 
in 1607 — His visit to Powhatan — Strange 
trafficking — Fire at Jamestown — Sufferings 
i?i the colony — Jfewport sails homeward — 
Smith rebuilds the town — Arrival of Captain 
J^elson — Disturbance between Smith and Pow- 
hatan — Bold conduct of Smith — Peace is re- 
stored — J^elson sails for England. 

Werowocomoco, the home of Powhatan, is 
stated to have been " on the north side of York 
River, in Gloucester county, about twenty-five 
miles below the fork of the river." When 
Smith arrived in this village, more than two 
hundred savages came around him, gazing at 
him as " though he had been a monster." He 
was not yet brought into the presence of their 



72 JOHN SMITH. 

chief, until clue preparations had been made 
for receiving hira. All being ready, he at 
length came before Powhatan. In a long hut, 
in the midst of which there was a large fire, he 
found him seated upon a sort of throne, while 
his two young daughters sat on either side of 
him. He was dressed in a heavy robe of rac- 
coon skins. On each side of the hut there w^ere 
tvv^o rows of men, and behind them as many 
women, with their heads and shoulders painted 
red. Some had their heads decked off with the 
white down of birds, and some had strings of 
white beads around their necks. When Smith 
came in, they all gave a great shout. The 
queen of Apamatox brought him water to wash 
his hands — while another damsel brought him a 
bunch of feathers, to serve as a towel to dry 
them. After this, they feasted him with their 
best provisions, and then they consulted among 
themselves, as to what should be done with him 
Smith soon understood his fate, when, at the 
end of this consultation, two large stones were 
brought in, placed before Powhatan, and he 
seized and dragged toward them. His head 
was laid upon them, and now the savages raised 
their clubs to beat out his brains. The king's 
daughter, Pocahontas, (it seems,) had entreated 



JOHN SMITH. 73 

that bis life might be spared, but all her en- 
treaties had proved useless. Just at this mo- 
ment, she rushed toward the captive, folded his 
head in her arms, and laid her own upon it. In 
an instant more, poor Smith would have been 
despatched. The king's heart was now soften- 
ed : he consented that the prisoner should live, 
to make hatchets for him, and bells and beads 
fcr his daughter. 

Whether farther entreaties of Pocahontas pre- 
vailed or not, we are not told 5 but certain it is, 
that in a little time the king was even more 
generous to the prisoner. Two days after this, 
he caused Smith to be carried to " a great house 
in the woods," and there to be left, seated alone 
upon a mat, before a large fire. " Not long 
after, from behind a mat that divided the house, 
was made the most doleful noise he ever heard :" 
and in rushed Powhatan, painted black, and 
disguised " in a fearful manner," followed by 
two hundred other savages, as black as him- 
self. The chief now told him that they were 
friends, and that he might return to Jamestown, 
He had but one favor to ask of him, which w^as, 
that he w^ould send him " two great guns, and 
a grindstone," and he promised, iji return, to 
" give him the country of Capahowosick, and 

7 



74 JOHN SMITH. 

to esteem him for ever as his son, JVantaquoud.'^ 
So, with twelve guides, Smith was started home- 
ward. Night came on, and " they quartered in 
the woods, Smith expecting (as he had done all 
this long time of his imprisonment) every hour 
to be put to one death or other ; but Almighty 
God (by his divine providence) had mollified the 
hearts of those stern Barbarians with compassion." 
Early the next morning they reached James- 
town, and Smith treated his guides with great 
hospitality. He now shewed to Rawhunt, the 
trusty servant of Powhatan, (who was one of 
the guides,) the two large guns and the grind- 
stone for his master. The Indians tried to lift 
them, but found they were too heavy. Smith 
now had the guns loaded with stones, and dis- 
charged at a tree covered with icicles. The 
loud report, and the rattling of the icicles, fright- 
ened the savages, and they ran away. In a lit- 
tle time, however, they came back, and after 
being loaded with trinkets and other presents, 
for Powhatan and his daughter, they left him. 

It was well that Smith came home just at 
this time. His presence, of course, had been 
missed, and all was now confusion at James- 
town. The men had got to quarrelling, and a 
large party had seized the pinnace, determined 



JOHN SMITH. 75 

to leave the country. At the risk of his Hfe once 
more, he checked this plot. He brought his 
guns to bear, and threatened to sink the pin- 
nace, if they attempted to move off. Inflamed 
with anger, these discontented men (the presi- 
dent among the number) now conspired against 
his life. They said he deserved to die, because 
he had caused the death of the two poor fellows 
who had been murdered at the canoe, in the 
meadows. Their design proved idle, for they 
knew in their hearts that he was an innocent 
man, and they soon had the worst of this effort ; 
for we are told, " he quickly took such order 
with such lawyers, that he laid them by the 
heels, till he sent some of them prisoners for 
England." 

After this a better spirit soon prevailed. Smith 
now cheered his countrymen, by telling them of 
the rich domains of Powhatan, the plentiful 
supplies that might be obtained there, and the 
great kindness and liberality of the chief. He 
spoke, too, of the generosity of Pocahontas, and 
what aid they might expect from her. They 
soon learned for themselves to understand her 
fidelity. From time to time, she would come, 
with her train of female attendants, to James- 
town, bringing them stores of provisions to re- 



76 JOHN SMITH. 

lieve their wants. Smith had made warm friends, 
also, of other Indians. The savages would now 
come in bringing presents to him, and trading 
with him at such prices as he fixed. Many of 
them had learned (it is said) to look upon him 
as a supernatural being. 

In the latter part of the year 1607, two ships 
sailed from England to the colony — the one 
commanded by their old friend Captain New- 
port, the other by Captain Nelson. Nelson, (it 
appears,) after coming as far as Cape Henry, 
had his ship dismasted, and contrary winds now 
drove him in distress to the West Indies. New- 
port, more fortunate, arrived in safety. It hap- 
pened, that Smith had predicted his arrival about 
this time, and while the colonists of course were 
happy upon his return, the Indians looked upon 
Smith as a prophet. They knew that Smith 
worshipped the God " who created all things," 
and now they would talk of the " God of Captain 
Smith." 

Whether it was that some of the council were 
foolishly jealous of Smith's influence over the 
Indians, or whether it was only imprudence, 
certain it is, that they were in the strange habit 
of giving the Indians higher prices for their ar- 
ticles than Smith had fixed ; and now, when the 



JOHN SMITH. 77 

sailors arrived, they were allowed to trade with 
the savages just as they pleased. The conse- 
quence was, that it was soon found impossible to 
obtain as much for a pound of copper, as had 
been before procured for an ounce. Newport, 
too, in sailor-like style, was very lavish in his 
dealings with the natives, and especially in 
making rich presents to Powhatan, whom he 
desired to impress with an idea of his greatness. 
The arrival of the ship, therefore, made some 
little trouble. 

Smith had talked much of Newport, and his 
conversations, together with the presents, had 
made Powhatan very desirous of seeing him again. 
The boat was therefore now made ready, and 
Captain Smith, Captain Newport, and a Mr. 
Scrivener, (a gentleman who had come out on 
the last voyage of Newport, and was now a 
member of the council,) together with a guard 
of forty chosen men, started on a visit to the 
chief. When they arrived at Werowocomoco, 
Newport, who was unacquainted with the coun- 
try, began to suspect treachery on the part of the 
savages. This place, you know, had been the 
home of Powhatan, but thinking it too near to 
the English, he had removed now to the village 
Orapaxe. Smith tried to convince him that his 

7* 



78 JOHN SMITH. 

fears were idle, but finding it impossible, under- 
took with twenty men to go on alone. But he 
began ere long to suspect mischief himself. He 
had to pass many creeks and streams, and find- 
ing the bridges over these to be made only of 
poles, with bark thrown over them loosel}', sup- 
posed that they might be only traps or snares for 
the white men. It seems, however, that he had 
some Indian guides, and he made them pass over 
first, to assure himself of safety. Thus he passed 
on, until he was at length met by a party of 
three hundred savages, who kindly conducted 
him to the home of the chief Entering the 
village, he was received with great shouts of joy, 
and then a splendid feast was prepared for him. 
Powhatan again received him in great state. 
Smith found him clothed in a fine robe of skins, 
seated " upon his bed of mats, his pillow of 
leather embroidered after their rude manner, 
with pearl and white beads," while " at his head 
and feet sat a handsome young woman." Other 
women stood around, having their heads and 
shoulders painted red, and strings of white beads 
hanging about their necks. Before these sat 
" some of his chiefest men." He was welcomed 
heartily by the chief, as an old friend. A guard 
of five hundred men was appointed to attend 



JOHN SMITH. 79 

upon him, and the king's proclamation was is- 
sued, that no Indian should do harm to Smith or 
any of his followers, under penalty of death. 
Then the savages commenced anew their feast- 
ing, with dancing and singing ; and when night 
came, the party quartered with Powhatan. 

The next day Captain Newport arrived, and 
was also treated with great kindUess. He had 
with him an Enghsh boy, named Thomas Sal- 
vage, whom he gave to Powhatan, calhng 
him his son. In return, Powhatan gave 
him JVamontack, one of his trusty servants. 
Now they commenced again their dancing and 
feasting. Three or four days were spent in this 
w^ay, together with trading, for Newport had 
brought along with him many articles of traffic. 
Powhatan bore himself like a chief, and the 
whites admired him very much ; but before the 
visit was over, he proved himself to be a cunning 
old man, and would have outwitted them all, but 
for the superior cunning of Captain Smith. I 
wall tell you of his stratagem. 

While Newport was trading with him, the old 
chief became greatly dissatisfied, at w^hat he 
thought bargaining and trafficking in a small 
way. He said therefore to him, " Captain New- 
port, it is not agreeable to my greatness, in this 



80 JOHN SMITH. 

peddling manner to trade for trifles ; and I es- 
teem you also a great Werowance. Therefore, 
lay me down all your commodities together : 
what I like I will take, and in recompense give 
you what I think fitting their value." Captain 
Smith was acting as interpreter between them, 
and seeing at once the cunning of the chief, ad- 
vised Newport not to agree to it. But Newport, 
desirous of making a display, and thinking he 
could manage the matter himself, immediately 
consented, and spread out all his wares. Pow- 
hatan instantly selected such articles as pleased 
him, but when he came to making payment for 
them, set such a high value upon his corn, that 
Newport did not receive four bushels " where he 
expected twenty hogsheads." Smith w^as natu- 
rally enough provoked at Newport's folly, and 
determined that, if possible, the savage should 
be no gainer by it. He now took out some 
wares of his own : among other things, some 
blue glass beads, which, as if accidentally, he 
placed W'here Powhatan might see them. The 
king was at once struck with them, and greatly 
desired to have them. But Smith could not con- 
sent to part with them. They were made (he 
said) " of a rare substance of the color of the 
skies, and not to be worn but by the greatest 



JOHN SMITH. 81 

kinoes in the world." This onlv increased the 
desire of the chief: but the more he lonsfed for 
them, the more unwilUng was Smith to let them 
go. At last, as a favor, he allowed the king to 
trade for some of them, and now^, for his glass 
beads, he received two or three hundred bushels 
of corn. After this, they parted good friends, 
and the party went off to see Opechancanough, 
king of Pamunke. Here they made another 
good bargain with their blue beads. Indeed, 
blue beads became now of such high value, that 
they were all bought up at almost any price, and 
none but the kings, their v^aves, or their daugh- 
ters allowed to wear them. 

They now returned to Jamestown, well laden 
with provisions. Scarcely, however, had they 
stored them away, when unfortunately a fire 
broke out in the town, and consumed well 
nigh everything. Their houses, made of wood, 
and thatched with reeds and straw^, were like 
tinder for the flames, and quantities of arms, 
bedding, clothing, and provisions were alike de- 
stroyed. In this fire, their clergyman, Mr. Hunt, 
" lost all his library, and all he had but the 
clothes on his back, yet none ever heard him 
repine at his loss." Indeed, most of the colonists 
appear to have borne the calamity as well as 



82 JOHN SMITH. 

could have been expected. They saved what 
provisions they could from the flames, and by 
prudent management, there might still have been 
enough for present wants, but for the delay of the 
ship. Instead of returning homeward promptly, 
Newport and his crew were seized with a " gold 
fever." They were busy every day in digging 
the earth, and loading the ship wdth what they 
thought so much treasure. Thus they delayed sail- 
ing for fourteen weeks, during all which time there 
were of course so many more mouths to be filled 
in the colony. Smith and Scrivener were both 
sensible men, and looked upon all this search for 
gold as idle; but still they could not induce 
Newport to leave earlier. At length the ship 
was ready to sail, and the poor half-starving set- 
tlement had to furnish supplies ere she could 
move off. They were furnished cheerfully, for 
her departure was regarded as a blessing. Wing- 
field and Archer, too, to the great joy of the de- 
cent part of the colony, were sent home in her. 
Upon reduced allowances, their sufferings now 
increased. The winter was a very severe one, 
many of the men houseless, and though Smith 
did all that he could for their relief, before the 
cold season was ended, more than half of them 
had died. 



JOHN SMITH. 83 

As the spring approached. Smith and Scriv- 
ener set resolutely to the work of rebuilding 
Jamestown. A new church was erected, the 
storehouse and palisadoes were repaired, and 
new dwelling-houses put up. The fields, too, 
were prepared under their direction, and corn 
was planted. While they were engaged in all 
this, to their surprise. Captain Nelson arrived in 
the Phoenix, from the West Indies. He had 
spent his winter there, (after being driven, as 
you will remember, from the coast of Virginia,) 
and now, to their great joy, came laden with am- 
ple provisions for the colony, for six months. 

Nelson was a man of good spirit ; his heart 
was touched with the sorrows of his country- 
men, and he kindly served them in any way that 
he could. He moved freely among them, en- 
couraging them by his words and actions, and 
rousing their drooping spirits. In this way he 
succeeded in awakening a spirit of enterprise, 
even in the inefficient president; for he now 
urged Smith " to discover and search the com- 
modities of the Monacan's country, beyond the 
falls of James river," that he might profitably 
relade the ship for a return homeward. Sixty 
men were allotted to him for this adventure, 
and in six days, Smith had so drilled them to 



84 JOHN SMITH. 

their arms, that they were ready for the enter-^ 
prise. He was for loading the vessel with cedar, 
while Martin and some others, were foolishly in- 
tent upon filling her also with " golden dirt." 
Just as he was about starting, a difficulty oc- 
curred, which kept him at home. The difficulty 
was this. 

When Newport was on the point of starting, 
Powhatan had sent him as a present, twenty 
turkeys, and in return, asked that he might re- 
ceive twenty swords. Newport had imprudent- 
ly given them to him ; and now the chief sent a 
like present to Smith, making a similar demand. 
Smith refused to meet it, and the chief set his 
men at once upon various stratagems, to seize 
the arms of the colonists. Sometimes they 
would enter Jamestown, and take them by force, 
or steal them — then they would surprise the 
men at their work, and annoy them in every 
possible way. Notwithstanding this insolence, 
nothing was done in return, until they meddled 
with Smith. The colonists had orders from 
home, to keep peace with Pow^hatan and his 
people, and they were desirous of obeying. But 
their insolence had now touched him, and Smith 
at once " took the matter into his own hands." 
He sallied out with a party, seized some of 



JOHN SMITH. 85 

the Indians and whipped them, and then re- 
turned, bringing with him seven prisoners, as 
hostages for their good behavior. But good 
behavior was not in them. They, in return, 
finding tw^o straggling soldiers, seized them as 
prisoners: and now they advanced almost to 
the fort, in strong numbers, demanding their 
seven countrymen, and threatening immediate 
death to the whites, if they were not delivered up. 
Smith instantly sallied out amongst them again, 
and, in less than an hour, so completely cured 
their insolence, that they surrendered the two 
white men, and w^ere glad to sue for peace. In 
making terms of peace, he forced them to 
tell their intentions. They declared, that w^hat 
they had done was by order of Powhatan, and 
that his design Avas to get possession of their 
weapons, that he might destroy the w^hites. 
Pow^hatan soon finding his plans discovered, sent 
his favorite daughter, Pocahontas, wdth presents 
to Smith, begging that he would excuse all in- 
juries that might have been done by any of his 
" untoward subjects," and assuring him of his 
love for ever. But Smith was not to be deceived 
in this way. He punished the savages, there- 
fore, as he thought they deserved; and then 
delivered up the prisoners, declaring, that it 

8 



86 JOHN SMITH. 

was merely for the sake of the princess that he 
spared their lives. 

The CouncJlj fearful that all this might make 
an enemy of Powhatan, were dissatisfied wdth 
Smith ; but in a little time they perceived their 
error. The truth was, it was the only way of 
teaching the savages not to molest the settle- 
ment ; and when they soon after discovered, 
that instead of " having peace and war twice 
in a day," (as had been the case for some time,) 
they enjoyed uninterrupted quiet, they were per- 
fectly contented. 

The ship was soon sent home, laden with 
cedar, as Smith advised j and Martin, instead of 
loading her with " golden dirt," as he desired, 
was himself allowed to return home in her. He 
had proved himself to be a weak and almost 
useless man in the colony, and they were well 
pleased at his departure. 



CHAPTER V. 

The adventures of Captain Smith during txco 
voyages made in an open hoat^for the purpose 
of exploring Chesapeake Bay. 

Order being somewhat restored, Smith now 
prepared for further adventures. His design 
w^as to explore the lands on Chesapeake Bay, 
and become acquainted with the inhabitants. 
As the ship hoisted sail, therefore, on the second 
day of June, with fourteen men he embarked in 
an open barge, and moved down the river. 
Parting with the ship at Cape Henry, they 
passed directly across the mouth of the bay, 
and discovered, to the east of Cape Charles, a 
group of islands, to which they gave the name 
of " SmiWs Isles. ''^ This name, I believe, they 
still bear. Soon after, in turning the last men- 
tioned cape, they saw two savages, who boldly 
demanded who they were, and what they came 
for. Presently they seemed more friendly, and 
directed them to Accomack, the home of their 



88 JOHN SMITH. 

chief. Upon reaching him, they were received 
with great kindness. Leaving him, they coasted 
along the eastern shore of the bay, " searching 
every inlet fit for harbors and habitations." 
Sometimes they landed upon the main land, and 
then upon the low islands which skirted the 
shores, to one group of which they gave the 
name of " RussePs Isles/^ in honor of Doctor 
Russel, their surgeon. This group is now known, 
I think, by the name of the Tangier Islands. 
Suffering now for a supply of fresh water, they 
procured such as they could, and moving still 
farther north, were ere long, as they came near 
another group of islands, visited by a violent 
tempest. Their mast and sail w^ere blown over- 
board, and with great labor they kept their 
barge from sinking. These islands, now known 
as Watt's Islands, received from them the strange 
name of Limbo, on account of their disaster. 
Here they were forced to remain two days. At 
length, the storm abated, and having repair- 
ed the sail with their shirts, they passed over 
to the eastern shore, and entered the river 
"Wicomico. The natives, seeing them, " ran 
amazed in troops from place to place, and 
divers got into the tops of trees." Regarding 
them as enemies, they discharged volleys of ar- 



JOHN SMITH. 89 

rows at them, but the barge was anchored too 
far from them, to suffer any injury. The next 
day the party landed, and entering their deserted 
huts, left copper trinkets, beads, and looking- 
glasses. When the savages found these, they 
were greatly pleased, and- soon became friendly. 
Here, upon this river, we are told,* lived " the 
people of Sarapinagh, Nause, Arseek, and Nan- 
taquak, the best merchants of all other sav- 
ages." 

" Finding this eastern shore shallow broken 
isles, and for most part without fresh water," 
they determined to pass over to the western 
shore of the bay. Proceeding some distance 
further north without discovering any thing 
remarkable, they crossed, and came coasting 
down the western side, marking all the creeks 
and rivers. To the first large river which they 
entered on this side, they gave the name of 
Bolus, because " the clay, in many places, did 
grow up in red and white knots, as gum out of 
trees," which made them "think it hole am- 
TRoniac.'^^ The river is now known by the Indian 
name Patapsco. Here the crew commenced 
murmuring. Their bread had been damaged by 
the rain ; in an open boat, exposed to all weather, 

* Smith's Virginia, vol. i. page 175. 
8* 



90 JOHN SMITH. 

they had spent twelve or fourteen days toiling 
at the oar, and they now urged Smith to return 
homeward. But he was for making farther 
discoveries, and answered them in the following 
words, which at once shew his spirit and reso- 
lution :— - 

" Gentlemen, if you would remember the 
memorable history of Sir Ralph Lane, how his 
company importuned him to proceed in the dis- 
covery of Moratico, alleging they had yet a 
dog, that being boiled with sassafras leaves, 
would richly feed them in their return : then 
what a shame would it be for you, (that have 
been so suspicious of my tenderness,) to force 
me to return, with so much provision as we 
have, and scarce able to say where we have 
been, nor yet heard of that we were sent to 
seek 1 You cannot say but I have shared with 
you in the worst which is past; and for what 
is to come of lodging, diet, or whatsoever, I am 
contented you allot the worst part to myself. 
And for your fears, that I will lose myself in 
these unknown large waters, or be swallowed 
up in some stormy gust : abandon these childish 
fears, for worse than is past is not likely to happen, 
and there is as much danger to return as to pro- 
ceed. Regain, therefore, your old spirits, for re- 



JOHN SMITH. 91 

turn I will not, (if God please,) till I have seen 
the Massawomeks, found Patawomek, or the 
head of this water you conceit to be endless."* 
Some of the discontented were now ashamed, 
but others who were half sick, still complain- 
ed, and to please them. Smith reluctantly- 
started homeward. Passing southwardly, ere 
Ions they fell in with the mouth of the river 
Potomac. As the stream came rolling broad 
and beautiful into the bay, the spirits of the men 
revived, and now they " were all content to 
take some pains to know the name of that seven 
mile broad stream." They sailed thirty miles 
up the river, without finding any inhabitants. At 
length, seeing two savages, they were conducted 
by them up a little creek, where they soon dis- 
covered multitudes of the natives. The truth was, 
it was an ambuscade. Three or four thousand 
savages were lying in wait here, ready to in- 
^snare them ; and now they came forward with 
hideous yells, making threatening gestures to- 
ward them. Smith was not frightened, but pre- 
pared very coolly for an encounter. As an an- 
swer to their threats, he commanded his men to 
discharge their muskets over the water. This 
"was sufficient. The grazing of the balls upon 

* Smith's Virginia, vol. i. pages 176, 177. 



92 JOHN S?.!ITH. 

the water, and the loud echo of the report 
through the woods, terrified the natives. They 
threw down their bows and arrows, sued for 
peace, and at once exchanged hostages. James 
Watkins (one of Smith's party) was now sent 
six miles higher up, to the residence of their 
king. In a little time these Indians became un- 
usually friendly, and frankly told Smith their 
whole plan. They had for some time been ly- 
ing in wait for the party, in the hope of cutting 
them off. To this deed they had been excited 
by Powhatan, who had heard of Smith's in- 
tended expedition up the bay, through some of 
the worthless and discontented men at James- 
town. These miserable men, because Smith 
had prevented them from deserting the colony, 
had thus, in revenge, attempted a plot for his 
destruction. 

They now moved up the river as far as their 
boat would float. In their progress they some- 
times met Indian canoes, laden with bear's any 
deer's flesh, and readily obtained supplies ; then 
again they would fall in with hostile and threat- 
ening savages, or others whose character then 
doubted ; but Smith's prudence and courage were 
ample always for this kind of difhculiy. He 
had one regular mode of proceeding. When he 



JOHN SMITH. 93 

met the savages, he always put on a bold face : 
if they seemed to desire peace, he would at 
once demand their bows and arrows, and one 
or two of their children, as pledges for their sin- 
cerity. If they complied with the demand, he 
regarded them as friends ; if they refused, they 
were looked upon as enemies, and treated ac- 
cordingly. 

Having frequently heard of a rich mine in 
this neighborhood. Smith determined to visit 
it. An Indian guide was procured, and in a 
little time some of the party reached it. They 
commenced digging the earth, and soon filled 
several bags with just such stuff as Newport had 
taken home for so much silver ore, but which 
proved utterly worthless. The Indians thought 
much of this mine. It produced a substance 
*' like antimony," which, after washing, they 
used as paint, to beautify themselves and their 
idols. This paint (we are told) only " made 
them look like blackamoors, dusted over with 
silver," but they thought it very beautiful. The 
party, though they discovered no mineral trea- 
sures, found some profit in this adventure, for 
they returned to the barge well laden with ot- 
ter's, 1 ear's, and martin's skins, which they ob- 
tained from a straggling party of savages. 



94 JOHN SMITH. 

They now came clown the Potomac, seeing no- 
thing farther, worthy of remark, except the great 
quantities of fish in the water. 

The men being now in better humor, Smith 
was in no • hurry to return homeward, and 
therefore resolved to move up the Rappahan- 
nock, and visit his old Indian acquaintances, 
where he had once been in captivity. As the 
barge came near the mouth of the stream, she 
ran aground, and while they w^ere waiting for 
the flood tide to take her off, the men amused 
themselves by catching fish in a curious w^ay. 
Quantities of them had been left by the tide upon 
the flats, and sticking them with the points of 
their swords, they " took more in an hour than 
they could eat in a day." Sporting in this way, 
Smith met with an accident, which alarmed him 
and all his friends, and at once gave a name to 
the place, which it still bears. Having stuck 
his sword into a stingray, (a curious fish, with 
a long tail, having stings at the end of it,) the 
fish raised his tail, and struck him on the wrist. 
No blood followed the wound, but in a little 
time he was seized with the most violent pain^ 
and in four hours, his hand, arm, and shoulder 
were so much swollen, that Smith himself, as 
well as his companions, supposed he was dying. 



JOHN SMITH. 95 

With great calmness, he directed where they 
should bury his body, and with sorrowful hearts 
they " prepared his grave in an island hard by." 
Their sad labors, however, proved unnecessary. 
The surgeon, Dr. Russel, having probed the 
wound, by means of a certain oil so far relieved 
the pain and swelling, that Smith, as night ap- 
proached, was so much better that he was able 
to eat a part of the fish for his supper. The 
point of land where this occurred, took the name 
of Stingray Point. 

It was the twenty-first of July when they 
reached Jamestown ; having been absent more 
than six weeks. As they came near the town, 
Smith determined to frighten old President Rat- 
clifFe. The old man was known to be weak and 
inefficient, and the crew were all ready to enjoy 
the frolic. With the colored earth from their 
bags, they painted the barge and decked her off 
with strange streamers in such a way, that they 
succeeded admirably. The terrified old man 
roused the colonists, supposing that a party of 
Spaniards w^ere approaching to attack him. 
W^hen they landed and shewed themselves, they 
all enjoyed a hearty laugh. 

As usual. Smith found that his absence had 
produced confusion in the colony. The presi- 



96 JOHxN S:.IITH. 

dent had been noting upon the public stores, and 
was now engaged in building for himself a house 
in the woods, where, living alone, he might es- 
cape the murmurs of the people. Even the poor 
colonists who were sick had been neglected ; 
this added to the discontent, and now the gener- 
al cry was, that Ratcliife was not fit for presi- 
dent, and ought to be deposed. He was conse- 
quently turned out of his office, and Smith chosen 
to fill his place. The captain had not yet ex- 
plored the bay as thoroughly as he desired, and 
his design was to be off again as soon as possible. 
He remained therefore but three days at James- 
town, cheering the men by the story of his ad- 
ventures, dividing provisions amongst them, and 
making other arrangements for their comfort ; 
and then appointing Mr. Scrivener to act as his 
deputy during his absence, was ready for his 
departure. 

On the twenty-fourth of July, with twelve 
men, he again started. Contrary winds detained 
them for two or three days at Kecoughtan, where 
the savages treated them with great hospitality. 
To amuse them in return, they set off at night a 
few rockets, which alarmed the natives, and gave 
them a wonderful idea of their greatness. The 
wind now changing, they proceeded on their 



JOHN SMITH. 97 

voyage, and anchored at night off Stingray Point. 
The next day they crossed the mouth of the Po- 
tomac, and reached as far as the river Bolus, or 
Patapsco. Hastening onward, they came ere 
long to the head of the bay. Here they dis- 
covered four streams, all of which they explored 
as far as their boat could sail, and found inhabi- 
tants on the banks of two of them only. As 
they crossed the bay, they spied seven or eight 
canoes filled with Indians, who proved to belong 
to the tribe of the Massawomeks, a warlike 
people of whom Smith had often heard. It 
seems that only six men in the barge were now 
able to stand ; (the rest being sick ;) yet as these 
Indians shewed signs of hostility, Smith prepared 
to meet them. The whites dropped their oars, 
and under a press of sail soon came near them. 
To give them the appearance of strength in the 
eyes of the Indians, they now resorted to a strat- 
agem. The hats of the sick men were hoisted 
upon sticks, and between every two sticks, a 
man was stationed with two muskets. The 
savages, counting the hats, were readily deceived 
as to the number of men, quickly paddled for 
the shore, and there stood gazing at the barge. 
It w^as a long time, before any of them could be 
induced to come on board. At length they sent 

9 



98 JOHN SMITH. 

two of their number unarmed in a canoe, while 
the rest all followed, to help them if it became 
necessary. Their fears were soon over. When 
the two reached the barge, upon bells and other 
trinkets being presented to them, they persuaded 
their companions to come on board. In a little 
time they were trading freely, and by means 
of signs talking freely Avith the whites. Veni- 
son, bears' flesh, fish, bows, arrows, clubs, tar- 
gets, and bear-skins, were readily exchanged for 
such things as the whites could spare. They were 
at war with the Tockwoghe Indians, (a people 
living upon the Tockwoghe, or what is now 
known as the Sassafras River,) and these Mas- 
sawomeks w^ere just returning from a battle, 
with their wounds still bleeding. 

Soon after, upon entering the Tockwoghe 
River, they found the barge surrounded by fleets 
of canoes " filled with fierce lookins: warriors." 
These were Tockwoghes. Fortunately, one of 
these Indians could speak the language of Powha- 
tan, and he persuaded his companions " to hold a 
friendly parley" w^ith the whites. Upon coming 
near, and seeing Smith's party in possession of 
some of the weapons of the Massawomeks, they 
at once concluded that they had been at war 
with that nation ; and now^ they conducted them 



JOHN SMITH. 99 

in triumph, to their strong pallisadoed town. 
Here, mats were spread for them to sit upon, 
and they were entertained with songs, dancing, 
and feasting. These Indians had hatchets, knives, 
and pieces of iron and brass, which they said they 
received from the Susquehanocks, a tribe hving 
on the Susquehanock River, " two days' journey 
higher than the barge could pass." This tribe 
they reported to be, like themselves, " mortal 
enemies to the Massawomeks." Smith was de- 
sirous of seeing these people, and prevailed upon 
the Tockwoghes to send an interpreter, to invite 
them to come and visit him. In answer to this 
invitation, in three or four days, sixty of them 
came down, laden with presents of venison, bask- 
ets, targets, bows and arrows. A curious scene 
now occurred with these men, which will at once 
show the proper habits of Smith, and the light 
in which they regarded him. 

It was his daily custom to have " prayers and 
a psalm" with his men. The poor savages, 
marking his devotions, were struck with wonder, 
and soon commenced theirs. " They began in 
a most passionate manner to hold up their hands 
to the sun, with a most fearful song : then em- 
bracing the captain, they began to adore him in 
like manner : though he rebuked them, yet they 



100 JOHN SMITH. 

proceeded till their song was finished : which 
done, with a most strange furious action, and a 
hellish voice, began an oration of their loves ; 
that ended, with a great painted bear's skin they 
covered him ; then one ready with a great chain 
of white beads, weighing at least six or seven 
pounds, hung it about his neck ; the others had 
eighteen mantels, made of divers sorts of skins 
sewed together ; all these with many other toys 
they laid at his feet, stroking their ceremonious 
hands about his neck, for his creation to be their 
governor and protector, promising their aid, 
victuals, or what they had, to be his, if he would 
stay with them, to defend and revenge them of 
the Massawomeks." Their promises and en- 
treaties did not prevail, and in a little time Smith 
with his party moved off from the Tockwoghe 
River, leaving them " very sorrowful for their 
departure." 

Coming down the bay, they continued ex- 
ploring every inlet and headland, and giving 
names to them in honor of some of their compa- 
ny. To mark their right of possession as dis- 
coverers, after moving up the streams as far as 
their barge would float, they would erect crosses, 
or boring holes in the trees, would deposite 
in them notes or crosses of brass. The Patuxent 



JOHN SMITH. 101 

River was particularly explored, and they again 
visited the Potomac, on both of which streams 
they were treated kindly by the inhabitants. 

Ere long they entered the Rappahannock. 
Here they met a friendly people known as the 
Moraughtacunds, and among them an old Indian 
acquaintance. This was a man by the name of 
Mosco — a curious looking fellow who had served 
as their guide to the mine on the Potomac, on 
their former visit. Unlike most of his country- 
men, this man had a black bushy beard, of which 
he was very proud, and thinking he resembled 
the whites, w^as very happy to call them " his 
countrymen." His home (I believe) was on the 
Potomac, but like most Indians, he was a wan- 
derer. Mosco was very kind, and urged Smith 
in no case to visit the Rappahannocks, stating 
that they were a hostile people, and would pro- 
bably kill them for being friends to the Moraugh- 
tacunds. These Moraughtacunds, it appeared, 
had lately stolen three women from the chief of 
the Rappahannocks, and the tribes were on no 
friendly terms. Mosco's words weighed little 
"with Smith. He supposed that his whole state- 
ment, was only a cunning story invented to 
keep his men trading where they were, and 
therefore passed on up the river. Mosco, ac- 

9* 



102 JOHN SMITH. 

companied him, still repeating what he had said, 
and this induced Smith to take one precaution. 
The Massawomeks, you will remember, had given 
them, among other things, some targets. These 
were nothing more than shields " made of little 
small sticks, woven betwixt strings of their 
hemp and silk grass, as is our cloth, but so firm- 
ly that no arrow can possibly pierce them." These 
targets were now set up as a sort of breast-work 
in the bow of the boat, in case of danger. Pre- 
sently the danger was at hand. Upon coming 
near a little creek, they discovered some canoes 
at the shore, and upon seeing the savages, offer- 
ed to exchange hostages. The Indians, after 
consultation, readily consented. Five of them 
now walked out in the stream to the barge, 
bringing their man, and proposing to receive one 
of the whites in return. They came without 
clubs, bows, or arrows, and seemed in every way 
friendly. The caution of Smith, however, in 
duced him to send one of his men (Anas Tod 
kill) ashore, to observe if there were any signs 
of an ambuscade. The man performed his part 
well, though he came near losing his life. Upon 
landing, he said he wished to go over the land 
to bring some wood. The Indians refused to 
allow him to go, unless the barge would enter the 



JOHN SMITH. 103 

creek, and come near the shore. This seemed 
strange; but Todkill, being a resolute man, 
started onward. Now he perceived their cun- 
ning. He had not gone far, when he discovered 
some two or three hundred Indians lurking 
behind the trees. He turned back, calling to 
his countrymen that they were betrayed. The 
hostage in the barge instantly leaped into the 
water, but was instantly killed. The savages 
pursued Todkill with clouds of arrow^s ; the party 
in the barge discharged their muskets, and pull- 
ed for the shore. Todkill fell wounded, but his 
countrymen were now on the land and rescued 
him. Thus Mosco's words had proved true; 
and to reward him for his fidelit}% Smith, after 
gathering and breaking all the arrows that could 
be found, presented to him the canoes of the 
Rappahannocks. 

Notwithstanding this unkind reception. Smith 
was resolved to proceed up the river. The rest 
of the day, therefore, was spent in fixing the 
barge in better condition for any farther attack. 
Targets were now raised along the sides, making 
a thorough breast- work all around the barge. 
The next morning they started, and in a little 
time felt the benefit of this prudence. As they 
reached a narrow pass in the river, they heard 



104 JOHN SMITH. 

the sudden twang of bowstrings, and arrows 
fell fast around them. Mosco fell flat in the 
boat, crying out " the Rappahannocks." Upon 
looking out they saw no enemy. The banks of 
the stream were lined with beautiful green 
bushes : all was still, and they were at a loss to 
understand where an enemy could be. Ere long 
they saw the branches moving, and discovered 
the stratagem. It seems that thirty or forty 
Rappahannocks had " so accommodated them- 
selves with branches as to look like little bushes 
growing among the sedge." The whites in- 
stantly discharged their muskets ; the savages 
fell down in the sedge, and the barge moved on. 
After passing on about half a mile, upon looking 
back they saw these enemies, who now show^ed 
themselves openly, " dancing and singing very 
merrily." Thus Mosco's w^ords were verified a 
second time. 

In their farther ascent up this river, they 
met nothing but kindness. Some of the men 
(who from exposure had been sick) now re- 
covered, wdth the exception of one, a worthy 
man, whose death was much lamented by his 
comrades. This was Richard Fetherstone. On 
the shore of a " little bay" his companions dug 
his grave, and in honor of his good character 



JOIIN SMITH. 105 

and services, as bis body was laid in the ground, 
the guns were fired over him, and the place 
marked as " Fetherstone's Bay." 

Being now at the falls of the river, they went 
ashore, and some commenced setting up crosses 
and marking their names upon trees, while others 
wandered about in search of " stones, herbs, and 
springs of water." They had taken the precau- 
tion to post a sentinel on duty, and as an arrow 
fell by him, he gave the alarm. Scarcely had 
they rallied and seized their arms, when they 
were attacked by a hundred savages. Sheltered 
behind the trees, the Indians kept up the fight 
for a half hour and then retreated. Mosco's 
services here, proved very valuable in bringing 
about this retreat. He discharged his arrows 
among them so rapidly, that the retreating men 
imagined that a body of Indians was in league 
with the whites, and that their position was des- 
perate. After the skirmish was over, upon look- 
ing around, they discovered one of the enemy 
lying upon the ground, bleeding freely. He 
had been badly wounded by a ball, and Mosco, 
savage like, would soon have despatched him 
by beating out his brains. From this cruelty, 
however, he was restrained. The poor fellow's 
wounds were dressed by Dr. Russel the surgeon, 



106 JOHN SMTFT. 

and in an hour or two, he was able to eat and 
speak. Mosco now questioned him, to know 
who he was. He said he belonged to the tribe 
of Hassininga, one of the four composing the 
nation of the Mannahocks. When asked w^hy 
his people had in this manner attacked the whites, 
who came among them in peace and kindness, 
he answered that they had heard the whites 
" were a people come from under the w^orld to 
take their world from them." Mosco asked him 
how many worlds there were. He replied that 
" he knew no more but that w^hich was under 
the sky that covered him, which belonged to the 
Powhatans, the Monacans, and the Massawo- 
meks that were higher up in the mountains." 
When asked w^hat there w^as beyond the moun- 
tains, his answer was, " the sun." " The Mona- 
cans," he said, " were their neighbors and friends, 
and did dwell as they, in the hilly countries by 
small rivers, living upon roots and fruits, but 
chiefly by hunting. The Massawomeks did dwell 
upon a great w^ater, and had many boats, and so 
many men that they made war with all the 
world.* For their kings, they were gone every 
one a several way wdth their men on hunting : 

• Stithj in his history of Virginia, supposes these Massawo 
meks may have been the same as the " Six Nations," 



JOHN SMITH. 107 

but those with him came thither a fishing till 
they saw us, notwithstanding they would be all 
together at night at Mahaskahod"* After this, 
the whites presented him with many toys, and 
persuaded him to go along with them. Mosco 
now urged that they should immediately leave 
this region, for he suspected treachery. But 
the captive begged that they would stay till night, 
and see the kino;s of the Mannahocks. who would 
befriend them for their kind usage of him. In 
spite of the remonstrances of Mosco, they de- 
termined to remain, and he, shewing that he still 
had his own thoughts, busied himself all day in 
preparing his arrows. 

All this time the chief of Hassininga was mov- 
ing among his countrymen, and consulting as to 
what should be done. At night the English de- 
parted, and ere long they were attacked from the 
banks by the Mannahocks. They followed them 
all night, yelling, and hallooing, and shooting their 
arrows. They could be brought to no terms of 
peace, for their noise was so loud that the voice 
of their countryman in the barge could not be 
heard. When morning dawned, the barge an- 
chored, and Amoroleck, (this was the name of 
their captive countryman,) shewing himself, was 

* Smith's Virginia— Vol. I., page 187. 



108 JOHN SMITH. 

able to speak to them. He told them that he 
had been used very kindly ; that there was one 
of the Potomacs along who w^ould have killed 
him, but the whites had saved him; that he 
could have his liberty if they would be friends 
to the whites, and even if they chose rather to 
be enemies, they could do them no possible harm. 
Upon this, they all hung their bow^s and quivers 
upon the trees, and two now came swimming to 
the barge, the one bringing upon his head a bow, 
the other a quiver of arrows. These were pre- 
sented to Captain Smith in token of submission. 
He treated them very kindly, and told them that 
if the other three kings would do the same thing, 
he would be a friend to their nation. This was 
hardly demanded, before it was assented to. The 
parties now w^ent ashore upon a low point of 
land near by, the acts of submission were per- 
formed, and Amoroleck was delivered up to his 
countrymen. The whites were soon again on 
their way, leaving upon the shore four or five 
hundred Indians, singing, dancing, and making 
loud rejoicings. 

As they came down the river, they found 
all the friendly Indians greatly rejoiced to hear 
of their success over the Mannahocks, for these 
people were not looked upon as friends by 



JOHN SMITH. 109 

any of the tribes on the river. When they 
reached the Moraughtacunds, they began strange- 
ly to urge Captain Smith to make peace with 
the Rappahannocks. This was probably done 
in the hope, that they (who, you will remem- 
ber, were not on good terms with the Rap- 
pahannocks) might profit by whatever Smith 
should do. After much entreaty, Smith agreed 
to make peace with them upon certain condi- 
tions. They had twice attacked him without 
any cause, (he said,) yet he would forgive these 
injuries, and be to them a friend, if the chief of 
the Rappahannocks would deliver to him his bow 
and quiver in token of submission ; agree never 
to come armed into his presence, to live in friend- 
ship with the Moraughtacunds, and, last of all, 
to give up his son as a pledge for the faithful 
performance of these terms. A message was 
immediately sent to the chief, and he came, readi- 
ly assenting to all the terms but the last. He 
had but one son, and his heart (he said) would 
break at parting with him. Instead of the boy, 
he was willing to deliver up the three women 
whom the Moraughtacunds had stolen. Smith 
assented to this, and now the chief, in the pre- 
sence of many, laid down his bow and arrows, 
and then the three women were brought forward. 

10 



> 



110 JOHN SMITH. 

To the chief of the Rappahannocks Smith gave 
the first choice, that he might select her he loved 
best y to the chief of the Moraughtacunds the se- 
cond, and the faithful Mosco took the remaining 
one. Thus the treaty was ended, and all parties 
were pleased. The men, women, and children 
all joined in feasting, dancing, and singing. 
Mosco was so much pleased with this new ar- 
rangement made by the captain, that, to shew 
his love for the whites, he changed his name. 
They were usually known as " the strangers," 
and he took, therefore, the name Uttasantasough, 
meaning the stranger. The savages, in their joy, 
promised also to plant corn purposely for their 
benefit, and the English, in return, agreed to pro- 
vide hatchets, beads, and copper for them. Then 
discharging their fire-arms, the barge pushed off 
amid the loud shouts and cries of the Indians. 

Next, they entered the Piankatank River, and 
explored that as far as the barge would float. 
They found on the banks of this stream only 
some old men, women, and children, the younger 
men being all out upon hunting excursions. 
They were treated with kindness, and soon left 
them. 

In passing down the bay, a little to the south 
of York River, they were struck by a squall in 



JOHN SMITH. Ill 

»■ 

the night, and with great difficulty escaped ship- 
wreck. The wind blew violently toward the 
shore, and, in the darkness, their little barge 
more than once nearly stranded, but a flash of 
lightning would from time to time disclose their 
perilous position, and keeping clear of the land 
as well as they could, they were at length ena- 
bled, by God's mercy, to reach Point Comfort, 

where they anchored. 

The next morning Smith determined, before 
he returned home, to visit certain neighbors of 
whom he had often heard. These were the 
Chesapeakes and Nandsamonds. Setting sail 
therefore for the southern shore, he soon entered 
the narrow river, known then as the Chesapeake. 
This is now the Elizabeth River, upon which 
Norfolk is situated. The river " had a good 
channel, but some shoals about the entrance." 
They sailed up six or seven miles, and saw 
two or three little garden plots, with houses, and 
the shores overgrown with the largest pines 
they had ever seen in the country ; but neither 
seeing or hearing any people, and the river be- 
ing very narrow, they returned back, and coast- 
ed the shore towards Nandsamond. "At the 
mouth of the Nandsamond," they spied some six or 
seven Indians making weirs for fishing, who' fled 



112 JOHN SMITH. 

as soon as they were discovered. The party went 
ashore, and leaving many toys and trinkets 
where the Indians had been working, returned 
to the barge. In a httle time the Indians re- 
turned, and began to dance and sing, and call 
them back. One of them, without fear, came 
out to the barge, and invited them to come up 
the river, and visit him at his house. The in- 
vitation was accepted, and they moved onward. 
They observed the banks of the stream lined with 
fine fields of corn, and ere long approached an 
island, which seemed to be richly cultivated. 
This island was the home of their host. Here 
they went ashore, and were treated by him with 
great kindness, and in return gave many toys to 
his wife and children. Other Indians now came, 
inviting them higher up the river to their houses. 
The party, accepting their invitation also, were 
moving on in good faith, w^lien suddenly their 
suspicions were aroused. Some six or eight 
canoes were seen behind them, filled with armed 
men. The stratagem was soon at work. They 
had reached a narrow pass in the river, and now 
the attack commenced. An ambuscade of three 
or four hundred Chesapeakes and Nandsamonds 
poured their arrows from the land, while clouds 
of arrows came from the canoes in the rear. 



AmL 



JOHN SMITH. 113 

The Massawomek targets covered the men in the 
barge, while with their muskets they answered 
this assault. The savages leaped from the ca- 
noes and swam for the shore, while the barge 
dropped down into a broader part of the stream, 
the men on board keeping up a perpetual fire. 
Now beyond the reach of their arrows, they con- 
tinued the war upon their enemies on the land, 
until they were all glad to disperse. Fortu- 
nately, not one of the party in the barge was 
hurt. 

Smith resolved upon vengeance. He seized 
all their deserted boats, and determined at 
night to burn every thing upon the island. In 
the mean time, his men commenced breaking the 
canoes. The poor Indians, seeing this, threw 
down their arms, and sued for peace. Smith 
made his own terms. He commanded them 
to bring the chief's bow and arrows, a chain of 
pearl, and four hundred baskets of corn, other- 
wise he would destroy all that they had. The 
Indians " most joyfully" agreed to the con- 
ditions, and " flocking down in great numbers, 
with their baskets, soon loaded the boat with 
corn." 

The party now started homeward. They 
met with no farther adventures by the way, 

10* 



114 JOHN SMITH. 

and at length, on the seventh of September, ar- 
rived at Jamestown in great " joy and triumph." 
In the two voyages together, Smith had been ab- 
sent from the colony a Httle more than three 
months, with the exception of the three days 
which you will recollect he spent at James- 
town.* 

• Captain Smith made a map of Chesapeake Bay and the 
countries which he explored upon its banks or tributary 
streams. This map will be found published in his History of 
Virginia, 



CHAPTER VI. 

Smith enters upon his new duties as President 
— Arrival of Captain Kewport — His plan for 
finding the South Sea — Brings presents to 
Powhatan — Smith opposes the project — The 
project goes on — Smith''s visit to Powhatan — 
Tells him of the presents — His haughty reply — 
The presents are brought to the chief — He is 
crowned — JVewport attempts to find the South 
Sea and fails — Employment of the men — 
Smith'' s mode of breaking up the bad habit of 
swearing among his men — Bad conduct of the 
sailors — Departure of the ship — Letter of the 
Council in England to Smith — His reply — 
Smith goes to J^andsamond and obtains supplies 
— He afterwards attempts to seize Powhatan 
and his stores — Is betrayed — The friendship 
of Pocahontas prevents his being captured. 

Smith was grieved to find, upon his return, 
that many of the poor colonists had died, but 
dehghted to discover that Mr. Scrivener had 
proved faithful, and administered all affairs well. 



116 JOHN SMITH. 

Ratcliff, the old president, had again made trou- 
ble, and was now a prisoner, under the charge 
of mutiny. In three days Smith was regularly 
invested with the office of president, and set to 
work with his usual energy. " The church was 
repaired, the store-house new covered, and a 
place made ready for the reception of the sup- 
plies they daily expected from England. The 
fort was reduced into form, the order of the 
watch was renewed, the troops trained at each 
setting of the watch, and the whole company 
every Saturday exercised in the plain toward 
the west, which was prepared for that purpose, 
and called Smithjield ; where sometimes above 
an hundred Indians would stand in amazement, 
to behold how a file would batter a tree, when 
the president had made them a mark to shoot 
at."* As it was the time of gathering corn 
with the Indians, the boats also were made 
ready for a trading voyage, and sent oif under 
the command of Lieutenant Percy. On their 
way, to their great joy, they met Captain Newport 
returning with the second supply, and they all 
came back with him to Jam.estown. 

Newport had brought out w^ith him this time 
many people of consequence, among whom were 

♦ Stith's Virginia, page 76. 



JOHN SMITH. 117 

Captains Peter Wynne and Richard Waldo, (two 
old soldiers,) as new members of the council. 
Aboard the ship also were Mrs. Forest and her 
maid Ann Burr as, the first English Avomen ever 
seen in Virginia. Some Poles and Germans had 
likewise been sent along, " to make pitch, tar, 
glass, mills, and soap ashes." He had received 
from the company at home the strange and 
foolish instruction, " not to return without a 
lump of gold, or finding the South Sea, or dis- 
covering one of the lost company sent out in 
former years by Sir Walter Raleigh." For the 
purpose of aiding him in this South Sea scheme, 
he had with him a barge, made to be taken in 
pieces, carried beyond the falls of the river, re- 
constructed, and there launched for the adven- 
ture. To secure the friendship of Powhatan in 
his great enterprise, he had brought rich pre- 
sents for him. These consisted of a basin and 
ewer, bed and bedstead, a chair of state, a suit 
of rich clothing, and a crown. 

When Newport talked of his plans. Smith op- 
posed him strongly. He was a man of too much 
good sense to give in to any such scheme of folly. 
He said plainly, that instead of sending the men 
off upon any such expedition, they should be em- 
ployed in procuring provisions for the coming 



118 JOHN SMITH. 

■winter. But Newport at once promised to make 
this a part of the enterprise, stating that he 
would bring supplies of corn back with him. 
In addition, too, he promised large supplies from 
the ship — a promise which was so little veri- 
fied, that before the ship sailed, the poor colo- 
nists had to spare three hogsheads of corn to 
victual her homew^ard. Smith objected, too, to 
making such rich presents to Powhatan. It 
was now easy (he said) to satisfy him at any 
time with a present of beads and other trinkets ; 
but after receiving such gifts as these, Powhatan 
would ever be proud and insolent. Newport 
w^as before this jealous of Smith, and this oppo- 
sition made him the more so. He declared that 
the council were all ready for the enterprise, 
and that Smith alone prevented it ; that the 
cause of this opposition arose from two cir- 
cumstances: first, that he was desirous of 
making the discovery himself for his own glory ; 
and next, that he knew his former cruelty to the 
Indians, by provoking their hostility to the ex- 
ploring party, would be the only cause pre- 
venting success. Far from being angry. Smith 
determined at once to prove the utter falsehood 
of such statements, by aiding the mad scheme, 
as far as he could. Accordingly, he resolved 



JOHN SMITH. 119 

to visit Powhatan, and invite him to come to 
Jamestown and receive the presents. 

With Captain Waldo, and three more as his 
companions, he walked twelve miles, and then 
passed over the river in an Indian canoe to 
Werowocomoco, where he hoped to find the 
chief. Powhatan, however, was thirty miles 
farther in the country, and messengers w^ere im- 
mediately sent for him. The princess Pocahon- 
tas was here, and while they waited for her father, 
she, with her women, entertained them with 
dancing and feasting, " after a curious manner." 

A large fire was made in the open plain, and 
the party seated before it. Suddenly, such a 
noise was heard in the woods, that they supposed 
they were betrayed. Instantly they sprang to 
their arms, and seized three old men as hostages 
for their security. Upon this, Pocahontas came 
running to Smith, and offered to be killed her- 
self, if any harm should happen to him or his 
companions. Pacified by this, they seated them- 
selves quietly again. In a little time thirty girls 
came forward, richly painted of different colors, 
and each one wearing a girdle of green leaves. 
" Their leader had a pair of buck's horns on her 
head, an otter's skin as her girdle, and another 
on one arm : a bow and arrow in the other hand, 



120 JOHN SMITH, 

and a quiver at her back." Some carried wood- 
en staffs in their hands. Forming themselves in 
a ring, for an hour they kept up their dancing, 
singing, and shouting. After this the feast com- 
menced, and the Indian girls waited upon them 
as they ate. At night, they were conducted to 
their lodgings by the light of fire-brands. 

The next morning Powhatan arrived, and 
Smith came before him with his message. After 
telling him of Newport's arrival and plans, and 
that he had brought for him rich presents from the 
king of the English, who was ready to assist him 
in his war against the Monacans, he invited him 
to come at once to Jamestown and receive the 
gifts. To this invitation, the chief gave him this 
proud answer : " If your king has sent me a 
present, I also am a king, and am on my own 
land. I will stay here eight days. Your father 
must come to me ; I will not go to him, nor to 
your fort. As for the Monacans, I am able to 
revenge myself If you have heard of salt water 
beyond the mountains from any of my people, 
they have deceived you." Then with a stick, 
he drew upon the ground plots of that region of 
country, and Smith started homeward with his 
answer. 

The answer being delivered, the presents were 



JOHN SMITH. 121 

now sent around by water, while Smith and 
Newport went across by land with a guard of 
fifty men. All having met at Werowocomoco, 
the next day wa appointed for crowning the 
chief. In the morning the presents were brought 
forward — the basin and ewer were placed before 
him, and the bed and furniture set up. His 
scarlet clothes were brought in, but there was 
some difficulty in inducing the old man to put 
them on, nor would he do it until the Indian boy 
Namontack (who, you will remember, had been 
given to Newport, and had been in England 
with him) assured him that they could not hurt 
him. The hardest part was yet to come, for it 
was impossible to make him kneel, that the crown 
might be placed upon his head. " He neither 
knew the majesty of a crown, nor the meaning 
of bending the knee, which obhged them to use 
so many persuasions, examples, and instructions, 
as tired them all." At last, by leaning hard on 
his shoulders, he stooped a little, and then being 
ready with the crown, they put it on his head. A 
pistol was now fired as a signal to the boats, and 
instantly a volley of musketry was heard, in 
honor of the crowned chief The man most 
honored, least understood it. He started alarmed, 
supposing that there was a plot to destroy him, 

11 



122 JOHN SMITH. 

in " the midst of his glory." Beinor assured that 
no harm was intended, he became satisfied, and 
began to return what he thought suitable kind- 
nesses. His old fur mantle and deer skin shoes 
were delivered to Newport for his king, and to 
" his father Newport" was given for himself " an 
heap of ears of corn, containing perhaps some 
seven or eight bushels." Newport having talked 
largely of going to the salt water, and visiting 
the region of the ]\Ionacans, the last counsel of 
the old man at parting was, that he should not 
attempt it ; but if he was determined to try it^ 
he would allow him no guides but the Indian boy 
Namontack. 

Thus the ceremony with Povrhatan had end- 
ed, and now they were again in Jamestown, with 
little hope of any help from him in finding the 
South Sea, after all their trouble. Still, New- 
port was resolved upon the effort. Accordingly, 
with one hundred and twenty chosen men, led 
by Captain Waldo, Lieutenant Percy, Captain 
Wynne, Mr. West, and Mr. Scrivener, he set 
forward. Smith remained behind with eighty 
or ninety feeble men, to prepare for relading the 
ship. Ascending the James River as far as the 
falls, they passed on thirty or forty miles over 
land, through " a fair^ fertile, and well-watered 



JOHN SMITH. 123 

country." Two towns of the Monacans were 
discovered on the south side of the river, where 
the people took little notice of them ; yet they 
seized one of the petty kings, and took him 
along as a guide on their way. In a little time 
they became wearied, and sickening over the 
adventure, started homeward. They had taken 
with them " certain refiners," to seek mineral 
treasures, and after visiting, therefore, what 
they thought gold mines, and gathering some 
shining dirt, they at length reached James- 
town, " half sick, and all complaining, being 
sadly harassed with toil, famine, and discon- 
tent." 

The expedition had ended precisely as Smith 
expected. He well understood, however, that 
the best mode of quieting their complaints, 
■was to give them some useful employment. 
Some of the mechanics were set to making 
glass, wMe others were employed in making 
tar, pitch, and potash. Leaving these under the 
direction of the council at Jamestown, he started 
with thirty others down the river, to teach them 
" to cut down trees, make clapboards, and he in 
the woods." Some of these were gentlemen, 
unaccustomed to such work, and found it, of 
course, hard; but he was determined to make 



124 JOHN SMITH. 

them independent in a new country, by teach- 
ing them how to labor. He led the way in 
the work, and in a little time they were like 
" old wood-choppers." But he not only cured 
their habits of idleness. The bad habit of 
swearing prevailed among them at times, and 
this did not please the captain. A remedy for 
this was, therefore, applied. He caused every 
man's oaths to be noticed during the day, and 
when night came the whole were assembled, 
and for every oath a man had used, a can of 
water was poured down his sleeve. This was a 
strange punishment, but it seems to have pro- 
duced the desired effect. In a short time the 
bad practice was discontinued. Having drilled 
them sufficiently in the woods, he returned with 
them to Jamestown. 

He found that business had been neglected 
again, that provisions were running low, and 
that it was necessary to undertake an expe- 
dition in search of corn. With eighteen men 
he at once embarked in the barge, and leaving 
orders that Lieutenant Percy should follow him 
in a boat, went up the Chickahomony river. 
The Indians learning his wants were surly 
and out of humor, and insolently refused to 
trade on any terms. Smith was not to be driven 



JOHN SMITH. 125 

off in this way. He told them that he had not 
come among them so much for corn, as for the 
purpose of revenging his own captivity, and the 
death of some of his countrymen. Then prompt- 
ly landing his men, he prepared for battle. The 
savages instantly fled. Presently some of them 
returned, bringing presents of corn, fish, and fowl, 
sueing earnestly for peace. They stated that 
their corn that year was not abundant, and their 
own wants great; yet they loaded the barge 
with one hundred bushels ; and when Lieutenant 
Percy soon after arrived, he received as much 
more. Returning home, they were received with 
great joy at Jamestown, for the supply was much 
needed. Yet, while he was thus laboring abroad 
for the good of the colony, some enemy was al- 
w^ays busy at home trying to injure him. " Such 
was the malice and envy of some, (as it is writ- 
ten,) that they had rather hazard a starving, 
than that Smith's endeavors should prove so 
much more effectual than theirs." Newport and 
Ratcliffe had been planning, not only to depose 
him from the presidency, but even to keep him 
from entering the fort, under the pretence that 
he had left the place without their permission. 
Their efforts, however, were so ridiculous and 
wicked, that the people revolted, and they them- 

11* 



126 joh:^ smith. 

selves very narrowly escaped " a greater mis- 
chief." 

The delay of the ship too, as on a former oc- 
casion, produced trouble. A constant traffick- 
ing was all the while going on between the 
sailors and the Indians, in which, of course, the 
former took care of their own private interests, 
rather than those of the colony. Indeed, (it is 
said,) they would sometimes steal articles from the 
public stores, to trade with the Indians for their 
furs and baskets. Certain it is, that of two or 
three hundred axes, hoes, pickaxes, and other 
instruments brought out for the use of the colony, 
twenty only could be found at the end of six or 
seven weeks. Thus these poor vagabonds preyed 
upon the colony, and yet these were the men 
who were soon to return to England to tell 
what stories they pleased of Virginia — to talk 
of the abundance there, and prevent supplies 
^rom being sent out by the council. It was 
Newport's business to check all this, yet it was 
not done. Smith was greatly indignant, and 
the ship being nearly ready to sail, he threatened 
to send her home, and detain Newport a year in 
the colony, that he might learn from experi- 
ence what their real sufferings were. But 
Newport became alarmed, acknowledged his 



JOHN SMITH. 127 

fault, and was pardoned. At length, to the great 
joy of the colony, the ship sailed homeward, 
laden with " specimens of tar, pitch, turpentine, 
potash, clapboards, and wainscot." On her 
way out, she met at Point Comfort with Mr. 
Scrivener, who had been up the Pamunkey 
river in search of corn. He had with him a 
quantity of pocones, (a red root used in dying,) 
and these were given to Newport, as farther spe- 
cimens of the products of the country. 

Among other strange things taken to Eng- 
land by this ship, was a letter from Captain 
Smith to the Council at home. It seems that 
the Council in England had strange ideas of the 
New World, and supposed that every adventure 
would return them ample supplies of gold and 
silver. In this thought they had of course been 
'disappointed, and therefore had readily listened 
from time to time, to the enemies who murmured 
against the colonial settlements. Under the in- 
fluence of this feehng, they had sent by New- 
port a letter to Captain Smith, making com- 
plaints against the colony in Virginia. The 
principal complaints were, of the hopes that had 
been fed, only to be disappointed ; of the quar- 
rels and divisions among the colonists, and a 
foolish project about dividing the country, of 



128 JOHN SMITH. 

which the late president had written to the Earl 
of Salisbury ; and the whole concluded with a 
threat, that " unless the charge of this voyage, 
amounting to about two thousand pounds, was 
defrayed by the ship's return, they should be de- 
serted, and left to remain there as banished 
men." It was in reply to this that Smith now 
returned them a bold letter containing a fair 
statement of facts. 

As to their complaints, he denies that he had 
ever fed them with vain hopes, or that he knew 
or had ever heard before, any thing about the 
project for dividing the country. As for quar- 
rels among the colonists, they were caused (in 
spite of his efforts at peace) by bad and dis- 
orderly men, of whom Ratcliffe and Archer were 
the chief, and that he now sent them home to get 
rid of them. In fact, the people were so pro- 
voked against Ratcliffe that it was necessary to 
send him home to save his life, for many of them 
were ready to cut his throat. 

Next he brings his complaints against them j 
that they had listened to idle complaints from 
enemies of the colony, (of whom he suspected 
Newport to be the greatest,) and had not at- 
tempted properly to aid them; that they had 
sent out a parcel of idlers or useless manufac- 



JOHN SMITH. 129 

turers into the settlement, from time to time, in- 
stead of sending such men as were needed. He 
begged them, hke sensible men, to dismiss all 
thoughts of getting rich immediately through 
the colony, and to send to him carpenters, gar- 
deners, fishermen, blacksmiths, and masons. 
Thirty of these (he stated) would be worth more 
in Virginia than all their fine gentlemen. 

He then complains of the last adventure of 
Newport ; that they had sent him to the country 
with a foolish project in his head for finding the 
South Sea, and laden him with rich presents for 
Powhatan; that he himself had opposed this 
plan, because he thought it idle, but when the 
Council approved it, he had joined them heart 
and hand ; that every facility had been offered 
to Newport for the effort, and he had completely 
failed, as he knew he would ; that Powhatan had 
been crowned, and the presents delivered to him, 
from which he expected nothing but trouble for 
the colony. As for the two thousand pounds 
which the voyage had cost, the colony had not 
received the benefit of one hundred ; that New- 
port and his sailors were only a tax to them, for 
they had to furnish them wdth supplies homeward. 
These, with many other direct charges, were in 
the letter j and in conclusion, (that they might 



130 JOHN SMITH. 

see he had not been idle,) he stated that he sent 
them by the ship some stones, which he sup- 
posed might contain iron ore, with the places 
marked where they were found, together with his 
map of Chesapeake Bay, and his description of 
the countries he had discovered. 

The ship having departed, he commenced 
again gathering supplies. With Captain Wynne 
and Mr. Scrivener as his companions, he set out 
immediately for the Nandsamond river. It seems 
the Indians on that river had promised to give 
him four hundred baskets of corn. This they 
were now unwilling to do, and even refused to 
trade with him in any way. They tried to ex- 
cuse themselves, by saying, that " their corn 
was almost all spent," and that Powhatan had 
commanded them not to part wath what they 
had, nor to allow the English to enter the river. 
Smith at once resolved to use force. He com- 
manded his party to discharge the muskets, and 
the Indians fled without shooting an arrow. 
Then marching up to their houses, they set fire 
to the first they came to. The savages, see- 
ing this, came to terms. They proposed to 
give them half the corn they had, and to plant 
corn purposely for them the next year, if they 
would spare their houses. Before night the boats 



JOHN SMITH. 131 

were loaded, and ere long they were again in 
Jamestown with provisions. They reached home 
in time to attend the first wedding in Virginia, 
when John Laydon was married to Anne Burras. 

In a little time, he was off again in company 
with Captain Waldo, with two barges in Chesa- 
peake Bay. Corn was again his object, but the 
Indians all fled at the sight of him. At length 
he found friends upon the Appamatox river, 
among that tribe of Indians. They had but lit- 
tle corn, yet they divided it cheerfully with him, 
and in return he gave them " copper, and such 
other toys as fully satisfied them." 

All this, however, was but a present supply, 
and some of the men were soon out upon like 
excursions ; sometimes with and often without 
success. They had some hardships, which were 
accounted light, because they had before them a 
heavier one in the fear of starvation. The sea- 
son was a severe one, but in their long excur- 
sions they " camped out cheerfully at night." 
The ground was covered with snow, yet they 
would dig it away, make a fire upon the earth 
to warm it, clear away the ashes, and then 
spread their mats for sleeping. When the ground 
became cold again, they would at once, without 
a murmur, prepare another spot in the same 



132 JOHN SMITH. 

way. It is said that these hardy adventurers 
were the healthiest men in the colony. 

To make an end of this perpetual anxiety 
about food, Smith resolved upon the bold ex- 
periment of seizing Powhatan and all his stores. 
He called together some members of the council, 
and confidentially told them of his intention. 
Waldo was greatly in favor of the attempt, 
but Wynne and Scrivener warmly opposed it. 
Nevertheless, his mind was bent upon it. It 
seems that Powhatan had some stratagem at 
work in his own mind at this time ; for now, 
strangely enough, he sent inviting Smith to 
come and see him, and promising to load his 
barge with corn upon certain conditions. These 
were, that " he would send some workmen ta 
build him a house, and would give him a grind- 
stone, fifty swords, some muskets, a cock and a 
hen, with much copper and beads." Instantly 
taking advantage of this message. Smith sent off 
two Englishmen and four Germans, to build his 
house. Unfortunately, however, as it turned out 
for his enterprise, he gave these men certain in- 
structions as to their behavior, and told them of 
his whole plan. He at once commenced mak- 
ing preparations to follow them. As the enter- 
prise was perilous, he urged no man to go, but 



JOHN SMITH. 133 

left all to volunteer for themselves, if they pleas- 
ed. His crew, gathered in this way, consisted 
of forty-six persons, besides Captain Waldo. 
Leaving Mr. Scrivener to manage during his 
absence, and taking with him the necessary pro- 
visions for a few days, on the twenty-ninth of 
December he departed with the bark and two 
barges. 

The first night they stopped at the Indian vil- 
lage, Warraskoyack, not far from Jamestown. 
Here they were treated with great kindness by 
the chief of the settlement, and received ad- 
ditions to their supplies. Upon learning that 
Smith was going on a visit to Powhatan, he 
tried to dissuade him from it ; finding him re- 
solute in his intention, he at last said to him, 
" Captain Smith, you shall find Powhatan to use 
you kindly, but ti'ust him not; and be sure he 
have no opportunity to seize on your arms, for 
he has sent for you only to cut your throats." 
Thanking him for his advice, Smith asked to be 
furnished with a guide to the Chawonocks, a na- 
tion dwelhng between the Nottaway and Me- 
herrm rivers, in Carolina, as he desired to make 
a friend of the king of that people. The guide 
was found, and one of the company (Michael 
Sicklemore, an honest and faithfiil man) was 

12 



134 JOHN SMITH. 

sent with him, bearing presents, and instructions 
to search for silk-grass, and some one of the 
lost colony of Sir Walter Raleigh. 

The next night they lodged at Kecoughtan. 
Here they were detained six or seven days by 
the wind and rain. During this time they were 
entertained merrily by the natives, and feasted 
with them upon their oysters, fish, and wild-fowl. 
At length, after several accidents, they arrived 
on the twelfth of January at Werowocomoco. 
They found the river frozen nearly half a mile 
from the shore ; but Smith, breaking the ice, ran 
one of his barges up as far as he could, until he 
was " left by the ebb upon the oozy shoals." Di- 
recting two men to remain with the barge, and 
when she should float to put her aboard the 
bark, cold as it was, he leaped into the water. 
His men followed his example, and through the 
mud and ice they waded to the shore. They 
quartered in the first cabin which they found, 
and at once sent to Powhatan for provisions. 
He immediately supplied them with " plenty of 
bread, turkeys, and venison," and they spent the 
night in tolerable comfort. 

The day following, Powhatan feasted them 
in fine style, and after this asked them " when 
they were going away." Neither he nor his 



JOHN SMITH. 135 

people (he said) had expected them, and if 
it was corn they were in search of, they had 
none to spare. Smith repUed, that this was very 
strange, and instantly produced the messengers 
who had brought to him Powhatan's invitation 
and offer. The wily chief, thus confronted, 
endeavored to turn oif his falsehood with a 
laugh, and asked the Captain to " shew him his 
commodities." After looking at many things, 
he seemed to value nothing but the guns and 
swords. As for the copper which was shewn to 
him, he told Smith plainly that he " valued a 
basket of corn higher than a basket of copper." 
The Captain was of course indignant at such 
behavior, and spoke to the chief quite as plain- 
ly in return. He told him that he might have 
procured provisions, in many places, but relying 
on his promises, had neglected to do so ; and that 
at his request he had at once sent men to build 
his houses, while his own w^ere unfinished. He 
then charged him boldly with keeping back his 
people's corn and forbidding them to trade, 
" thinking by consuming time to consume them ;" 
that as for swords and guns, he had none to 
spare, and that he must be aware that those he 
had could keep him from starving. Yet, he de- 
clared, he would neither rob nor wrong him, nor 



136 JOHN SMITH. 

in any way break the friendship between them, 
unless he was compelled to do so by unkind 
treatment. The king listened attentively to all 
he said, and promised that he and his people 
should spare him all the corn they could part with, 
and that he should receive it in two days. "But 
I have some doubt (said he) about the reason of 
your coming hither. I am informed from many 
hands, that you come, not to trade, but to invade 
my people, and to possess my country. This 
makes me less ready to relieve you, and frightens 
my people from bringing in their corn. And 
therefore, to ease them of that fear, leave your 
arms aboard, since they are needless here, where 
we are all friends, and for ever Powhatans." 

Smith was not aware that Powhatan knew 
his intentions, nor did he, until six months after- 
wards, learn that at that very instant the chief 
understood his whole design. The truth was, 
the Germans had betrayed him. These men, 
perceiving the abundance of Powhatan, had con- 
cluded that it was better to have the friendship 
of such a chief, than to hang on to a half starv- 
ing colony, and had therefore opened the whole 
design of the English. This baseness was not 
at all suspected, for Smith had great confidence 
in these Germans, and had especially charged 



JOHiN SMITH. 137 

one of them, before leaving Jamestown, to act 
as a spy upon Powhatan. 

After this, while waiting for the people to 
come in, he managed to purchase of the chief 
about eighty bushels of corn, with an old copper 
kettle. Smith declared that the kettle was 
w^orth far more, but, considering the scarcity, 
agreed to part with it, provided that Powhatan 
would promise to give him as much more corn 
the next year. This promise he readily gave, 
and the trade was made. 

But Powhatan still continued to urge him to 
lay aside his arms. " Captain Smith, (said he,) 
I am a very old man, having seen the death of 
three of the generations of my people. None of 
these is now living except myself, and I know 
the difference between peace and war better 
than any in my country. But now I am old, 
and ere long must die, and my brethren, Opit- 
chapan, Opechancanough, and Kekataugh, and 
my two sisters, and their daughters, must suc- 
ceed me. I wish their experience no less than 
mine, and your love to them no less than mine 
to you. But the rumor that has reached us, 
that you are come to destroy my country, has 
frightened my people, and they dare not visit 
you. What will it profit you to take by for#'<». 

12* 

.■i 



138 JOHN SMITH. 

what you may quickly have by love, or to de- 
stroy them that provide you food ? What can 
you get by war, when we can hide our pro- 
visions and fly to the woods? whereby you 
must famish by wronging us your friends. And 
why are you so suspicious of our loves ? seeing 
that we are unarmed, and ready to feed you with 
that you cannot get but by our labors. Do 
you think I am so simple as not to know it is 
better to eat good meat, lie well, and sleep 
quietly with my women and children, laugh and 
be merry w^ith you, have copper, hatchets, or 
what I want, being your friend, than to be forced 
as your enemy to fly from all j to lie cold in the 
woods, to feed upon acorns, roots, and such trash, 
and be so hunted by you, that I can neither rest, 
eat, nor sleep, but my tired men must watch, 
and, if a twig but break, every one cries out, 
* There comes Captain Smith ;' then I must fly 
I know not whither, and thus with miserable 
fear end my miserable life. Be assured then, of 
our loves. Every year we can supply you with 
corn, and now too we are ready to give it, if 
you would only come into our country in a peace- 
ful way. We are not your enemies, therefore 
lay aside your arms." 

To this speech Captain Smith answered in the 



JOHN SMITH. 139 

following words : " Since you will not rightly 
understand our words, we must strive to make 
you know our thoughts by our deeds. The vow 
I made you of my love, both myself and my 
men have kept ; as for your promise, I find it 
every day violated by some of your subjects. 
Yet we have never been ungrateful for your 
kindness, and for your sake only have we curbed 
our revenge ; else they had know^n as well the 
cruelty we use to our enemies, as our true love 
and courtesy to our friends. You must under- 
stand, as well by the adventures w^e have un- 
dertaken, as by the advantage we have by our 
arms, that had we intended you any injury, we 
could long since have effected it. Your people 
coming to Jamestown bring their bows and ar- 
row^s, and no complaint is made. It is our cus- 
tom to wear our arms as our apparel. As for 
the danger of our enemies, in such wars consist 
our chiefest pleasure ; and for your riches, we 
have no use. As to your flying to the woods 
and hiding your provisions, that would not hurt 
us, for we have a way of finding hidden things 
which you do not understand." 

They soon now began to trade ; but Powhatan 
finding that he could not have his own way — 
that Smith was still obstinate, and would not al- 



140 JOHN SMITH. 

low his men to put away their arms, broke out 
again. " Captain Smith, I never used any chief 
so kindly as yourself; yet, from you, I receive 
the least kindness of any. Captain Newport 
gave me swords, copper, clothes, or whatever 
else I desired, ever accepting what I offered 
him, and would send away his guns when re- 
quested. No one refuses to lie at my feet, or to 
do what I demand, but you only. Of you I can 
have nothing, but what you value not, and yet 
you have whatever you please. Captain New- 
port you call father, and so you call me ; but I 
can see, in spite of us both, you will do what you 
will, and we must both study to humor and 
please you. If you intend so friendly as you say, 
send away your arms." 

Smith now perceived that Powhatan was only 
trifling, that he might gain time to get him in 
his possession. He therefore procured some In- 
dians to break the ice, that his boat might come 
in to take away his corn, and at the same time 
gave secret orders for more men to come ashore 
to surprise the king. In the mean time, to allay 
all suspicion, he entertained the chief with much 
good humored talk, promising the next day to 
lay aside his arms, and to shew, by trusting in 
his word, that he loved him, and confided in him 



JOHN SMITH. 141 

as a father. But hearing that they were break- 
ing the ice, Powhatan became alarmed, and 
hurried awav with his women, children, and 
luggage. Yet, to avoid suspicion, he left two 
or three of his women talking with the Captain, 
while he secretly ran off, and in a little time his 
warriors as secretly surrounded the house where 
they were talking. As soon as Smith discovered 
this, he sallied out with his pistol, sword, and 
shield. " At his first shot, those next him tum- 
bled one over another, and the rest fled nimbly 
off, some one way, some another." Thus, with- 
out any injury, he fought his way to the main 
body of his men. 

Finding that he had escaped in spite of their 
efforts, an attempt was now made on the part 
of the savages to excuse this strange treatment. 
An old warrior was sent to him by Powhatan, 
bearing a large bracelet and chain of pearl, 
who delivered to him the following message : 
" Captain Smith, our king has fled for fear of 
your guns. Knowing, when the ice was open, 
there would come more men ashore, he sent the 
warriors, whom you assaulted, to guard your corn 
from being stolen, which thing might happen 
without your knowledge. Some of our men 
have been hurt by your mistake, yet Powhatan 



142 JOHN SMITH. 

is still your friend, and will for ever continue so. 
He now desires that (since the ice is open)you will 
send away your corn; and if you expect his 
company, that you will also send away your 
guns, which so frighten his people, that they 
are afraid to bring in their corn as he promised 
they should." 

Baskets were now cheerfully provided for the 
English to carry the corn to the boat. The savages 
kindly offered to guard their arms while they 
were thus employed, but this of course was not 
allowed. Smith had other business for them. 
They were a cowardly set, easily frightened " at 
the sight of the English cocking their matches," 
and in a little time were all at work, with the 
baskets on their shoulders, cheerfully and rapidly 
loading the boats themselves. This being finish- 
ed, Smith found that he must wait till late in the 
evening for the next tide, before his boat could 
move off, and in the mean time he, with his men, 
repaired to their old quarters at the cabin. 

Powhatan was still eager to have him in his 
possession ; he thought, if he could seize him, the 
colony was at once destroyed, and was prepar- 
ing that night to surprise and take him. The 
treacherous Germans also desired it, and were 
ready to assist him in any plot. The plan was 



JOHN SMITH. ^ 143 

to send at night some strong men with the pre- 
sent of a rich supper from the chief to Smith ; 
while he was eating, these men were to seize 
him. If they failed in doing this, Powhatan, 
with his forces, was to come down and take 
him. The night proved dark and dismal, as if 
to aid this stratagem. But the providence of 
God had raised for Smith a friend, who would 
not willingly see him destroyed. The friend- 
ship of Pocahontas again served him. In the midst 
of the darkness she came alone through the 
woods, and told Smith of the whole plan. " Good 
cheer (she said) would be sent to them soon ; 
but that Powhatan, with all the forces he could 
raise, would soon come to kill them all, if those 
who brouo^ht the victuals could not effect it with 
their own arms while they were at supper." As 
they valued their lives, thefrefore, she " begged 
them to be gone." Grateful for her noble-hearted 
generosity. Smith offered her many presents, but 
she refused them all. With tears running down 
her cheeks, she declared that she could not re- 
ceive them; that she dared not be seen with 
them, for if her father should in any way dis- 
cover that she had opened his plot, he would in- 
stantly kill her — " and so she ran away by her- 
self as she came." 



144 JOHN SMITH. 

Within less than an hour, ten strong men 
came down, bringing large platters of venison 
and other victuals. Spreading them before Smith, 
they invited him and his companions to sit down 
and eat ; begging them at the same time to put 
out their matches, the smoke of which (they said) 
made them sick. But Smith made them taste 
of every dish, to see if it was poisoned, and then 
sent some of them back to Powhatan, telling 
him " to make haste, for he was ready for his 
coming." Soon after more messengers came 
down to learn the new^s, and not long after others; 
but the English kept up a steady watch through 
the night, and Powhatan's plan was defeated. 
Not one of his men dared strike a blow. 

At high water the boat departed, leaving the 
vagabond Germans still behind, (whose treachery 
was not yet suspected,) to complete the house of 
the crafty chief. 



CHAPTER Vn. 

Powhatan by stratagem obtains arms at JameS' 
town — Smith visits Opechancanough — Treach' 
ery of the chief — Fearless behavior of Smith — 
Occident at Jamestown — Returns home — Re- 
bukes the colonists for idleness^ and sets them 
to work — Treachery of four Germans — Smith 
attempts to seize one of them — Is attacked by 
the chief of the Pashiphays — After a hard 
struggle captures the chief and puts him in 
chains — The chief escapes — Meets the Paship- 
hays — Speech of Okaning — Incidents at James- 
town — Industry of the colonists — Want of 
food — Kindness of Powhatan — Mutinous con- 
duct of some of the colonists — Smith checks it 
— Plot to destroy Jamestown — Is discovered 
and stopped — Arrival of Captain Argall. 

They had scarcely set sail when Powhatan 
despatched two of the Germans to Jamestown. 
These played their parts well for him. They 
pretended to Captain Wynne that all things 

13 



146 JOHN SMITH, 

were well, but that Captain Smith had need for 
more arms, and therefore desired he would send 
them, together with some spare tools and changes 
of clothing. As their treachery was not sus- 
pected, the articles were of course delivered to 
them. Then they set to work privately to beat 
up recruits among the colonists, and by talking 
of the greatness of Powhatan, and the poor pros- 
pects of the colony, managed to draw off some 
six or seven. These, however, were worthless 
men, and no loss to the colony. Yet they were 
of great service to Powhatan, for being expert 
thieves, they managed to steal for him fifty 
swords, eight muskets, eight pikes, and a quan- 
tity of powder and shot. Indians ^vere always 
lurking around the settlement, and the articles 
being delivered to them, were readily carried 
off. At the same time Pow^hatan kept one of 
the Germans (who was a blacksmith) very busy 
at Werowocomoco, working at his trade. Three 
hundred tomahawks were made by him, and 
these, together with the weapons that had 
been stolen, gave to the king quite a supply of 
arms. 

In the mean time Captain Smith had gone with 
his party to Pamunkey, the home of Opechanca- 
nough. He was received kindly by this chief, 



JOHN SMITH. 147 

and entertained with hospitality. A day was 
soon set apart for their trading. At the ap- 
pointed time, Smith, with fifteen others, went up 
to the house of Opechancanough, in the village, 
which was a quarter of a mile from the river. 
They found here " nothing but a lame man and 
a boy ;" all the houses having been stripped of 
every thing and deserted. Presently the chief 
came, and after him several of his people, laden 
principally with bows and arrows. They had 
with them some articles of traffic, but these 
were so trifling, and oflfered at such high prices, 
that Smith at once told Opechancanough, that 
the professions of his tongue were proved by 
his actions to be mere deceit. " Last year 
(said he) you kindly freighted my vessel, but 
have now treacherously invited me here to 
famish and destroy me. You are not ignorant 
of my w^ants, neither am I ignorant of your 
plenty, of which, by some means, I will have a 
part. You should remember, that it is proper for 
kings, above all others, to keep their promises. 
I offer you all my commodities — you may take 
your choice — the rest I will divide fairly among 
your people." Opechancanough seemed kindly 
to accept his offer, and, to cover his designs, at 
once sold Smith all that he then had at his own 



148 JOHN SMITH. 

prices, and promised to meet him the next day 
with more people and more articles. 

At the appointed time Smith, with the same fif- 
teen men, marched np to the king's house, where 
he found four or five Indians just arrived, each 
with a large basket. Soon after the king came in, 
and began, with apparent cheerfulness, to tell 
what great trouble he had taken to keep his 
promise. This talk was suddenly cut short, 
when Mr. Russel, one of the party, came run- 
ning in, telling Smith that the house was 
surrounded by seven hundred armed savages. 
Some of his men were alarmed and began to 
look pale, but Smith was undaunted. Rally- 
ing them, he addressed them in the following 
words : 

" Worthy countrymen, I feel far less concern 
at the number and danger of the enemy, than at 
the malicious representations which the Council 
and their open mouthed minions will make in 
England, about my breaking the peace. I, 
alone, was once assaulted by three hundred sav- 
ages, and, had it not been for an accident, would 
have made my way good among them all. We 
are now sixteen, and the enemy but seven hun- 
dred at the most. I desire, therefore, that you 
will fight like men, and not die like sheep. If 



JOHN SMITH. 149 

you dare follow my example, and do as I do, I 
doubt not, by God's assistance, to extricate you 
out of the present difficulty and danger." 

The men were instantly roused and ready to 
brave any danger. They all vowed " to do 
whatever he attempted or die." Then turning 
to the chief, he said, " I see, Opechancanough, 
your plot to murder me, but I am not afraid. As 
yet your men and mine have done no harm, but 
by our direction. Let us decide this matter by 
single combat. Take, therefore, your arms— 
you see mine — my body shall be as naked as 
yours — you may choose your weapons. The 
isle in your river is a fit place for the fight, if 
you please. Let your men bring baskets of 
corn. I will stake their value in copper, and 
the conqueror shall be lord and master of all the 
men and all the commodities." 

This bold challenge was declined by Opechan- 
canough. He had no idea of losing the ad- 
vantage that he had. Still pretending friend- 
ship, he urged Smith to go with him outside of 
the door, and there receive a present which his 
people had brought for him. This was done 
only to draw him out, where two hundred men 
stood, with their arrows resting in their bows, 
ready to despatch him. Smith, perceiving the 

13* 



159 JOHN SMITH. 

treachery, instantly seized the king by his scalp- 
lock, and presenting his pistol, ready cocked, to 
his breast, dragged " him trembling and half 
dead with fear," into the midst of his people. 
Startled that any one should be bold enough to 
use their king in this manner, the savages at 
once threw down their bows and arrow^s, and 
Opechancanough was glad to save himself by de- 
livering all his armor in token of submission. 
Still holding the trembling chief by the hair, 
Smith thus addressed his people : " I see ye, 
Pamunkeys, the great desire you have to kill 
me, and that my long suffering hath emboldened 
you to this insolence. The reason I have for- 
borne to punish you, is the promise I made you, 
(before the God I serve,) that I would be your 
friend, till you gave me just cause to be your 
enemy. If I keep this vow, my God will keep 
me — ^you cannot hurt me ; but if I break it, he 
will destroy me. But if you shoot one arrow, to 
shed one drop of blood of any of my men, or steal 
the least of these beads, or this copper, I will take 
such revenge (if I once begin) that you shall not 
hear the last of me while there is a Pamunkey 
alive. I am not now half drowned in the mire, as 
when you took me prisoner. If I be the mark you 
aim at, here I stand — shoot he that dares. You 



JOHN SMITH. 151 

promised to load my bark with corn; and 
so you shall, or I will load her with your dead 
carcasses. Yet, if as friends you will trade, 1 
once more promise that I will not trouble you, 
unless you give me good cause ; and your king 
shall be free and be my friend, for I am not 
come to hurt him or any of you." 

This speech made a wonderful impression. 
The Indians were suddenly disposed to be great 
friends. Men, women, and even children brouofht 

o 

to him their articles of traffic, and " for three 
hours so thronged around him and wearied him," 
that at last he was forced, in self-defence, to re- 
tire into the house, that he misrht rest, leavingf 
others to trade and receive their presents. He 
soon now fell asleep. While sleeping, some 
fifty Indians, armed with clubs and swords, man- 
aged to get into the house, evidently w^ith the 
design of murdering him. Roused by the noise, 
he sprang up, seized his sword and target, and 
soon drove them out faster than they came in. 
Opechancanough, with some of the old warriors, 
endeavored, in a long talk, to excuse this con- 
duct. " The rest of the day was spent with 
much kindness, the Indians renewing their pre- 
sents, and feasting the English with their best 
provisions." 



152 JOHN SMITH. 

While these things were going on, a sad ac- 
cident had happened at the fort, of which Smith 
now heard. It seems that Mr. Scris^ener had 
received letters from England by the last ship, 
which gave him a great idea of his own import- 
ance ; and though Smith loved him as a brother, 
Scrivener had learned to dislike him. These 
letters (it is said) "made him conceited and 
headstrong." On a cold and boisterous day, he 
determined to visit Hog Island, not far from 
Jamestown, and in spite of all remonstrance, 
persuaded Captain Waldo and nine others to 
accompany him in the skiff. She was so 
overloaded that she could scarcely have lived 
in calm weather ; as it w^as, she sunk, and all 
on board were drowned. It was difficult to 
find any one to carry the sorrowful news to 
the President, until at last Mr. Richard Wiffin 
undertook to do it. He encountered many 
difficulties and dangers as he passed toward 
Werowocomoco, where he expected to find 
him. Here his danger was greater, for he 
found the people engaged in preparation for 
war, and escaped being seized only by the kind- 
ness of Pocahontas. She managed to hide him, 
at the same time " sending those who were in 
search of him a contrary way." After three 



JOHN SMITH. 153 

day's travel he now reached Smith at Pamun- 
key, and gave him the melancholy tidings. He 
was very sad, but prudently took from Wiffin a 
promise that he would not tell his men. Hid- 
ing his grief as well as he could through the 
day, when night came he set Opechancanough 
at liberty, as he had promised, and went with 
his men on board the bark. 
. Smith's heart was still bent on seizing Pow- 
hatan, and he watched for his opportunity as he 
now returned down the river. It seems that 
Powhatan was equally anxious to secure him, 
and had threatened some of his men with death, 
if they did not kill him. Both parties conse- 
quently being on the look out, no harm was done 
on either side. The Indians (it is said) so 
dreaded Captain Smith that they were afraid to 
attack him, even at the command of Powhatan, 
and were loading him with presents if he seemed 
the least angry. Some of them, however, made 
an effort to despatch him in a quiet way by 
poisoning him. Fortunately he was only made 
sick, and threw the poison from his stomach. 
In a little time he caught Wecuttanow, (the In- 
dian who had brought him the poisoned food as 
a present,) and whipped him severely. 

On the way between Werowocomoco and 



154 JOHN SMITH. 

Jamestown they met four or five of the colonists, 
who were in league with the treacherous Ger- 
mans, then on their way to Powhatan. The traitors, 
to avoid suspicion, at once agreed to return with 
them to the fort. They were soon quietly 
moored at Jamestown, where, to the great joy 
of the colony, they delivered over to the keeper of 
the public stores two hundred pounds of deer's 
suet, and four hundred and seventy-nine bushels 
of corn. They had gained so much by their 
perilous adventures. 

As usual, Smith's presence was needed at James- 
town. The provisions there had been much in- 
jured by the rain, rats, and worms, and many of 
their tools had been stolen and carried off by the 
Indians. These things, together with the loss 
of Scrivener and his party, had much discouraged 
the people. The supplies which Smith had 
brought home, together with the damaged pro- 
visions, (which were not to be thrown away,) 
were found ample to sustain them for one year. 
All fears of starving, therefore, for the present 
being dismissed, he at once commenced vigor- 
ously attending to other matters. 

As he looked upon idleness as one great cause 
of their trouble, he now called them all before 
him, and told them, " that their late experience 



JOHN SMITH. 155 

and misery were sufficient to persuade every one 
to mend his ways; that they must not think 
that either his pains or the purses of the adven- 
turers at home would for ever maintain them in 
sloth and idleness ; that he knew that many de- 
served more honor and a better reward than was 
yet to be had, but that far the greatest part of 
them must be more industrious or starve ; that it 
was not reasonable that the labors of thirty or forty 
honest and industrious men should be consumed, 
to maintain one hundred and fifty loiterers ; and 
that, therefore, every one that would not work 
should not eat ; that they had often been screen- 
ed and protected in their disobedience to his just 
and necessary commands by the authority of the 
council, but that now all being either dead or 
gone, except Captain Wynne and himself, that 
whole power rested, in effect, solely in him. He 
therefore advised them not to feed themselves up 
with the vain presumption that his authority was 
but a shadow, and that his life must answer for 
theirs ; for the letters patent and other powers 
would prove the contrary, and should every 
week be read to them; and every one that of- 
fended might assuredly expect his due punish- 
ment." 

He then divided them all into companies. 



156 JOHN SMITH. 

Six hours of" each day were to be spent in labor, 
the rest in pastime and amusement. To encour- 
age them the more, he kept a book, in which he 
registered every man's daily conduct, that he 
might animate the good, and spur on the rest by 
shame. Most of them, after this, became very 
industrious. 

They still, however, missed arms and tools 
from time to time, and at length discovered that 
they were continually stolen by some of the 
friends of the Germans, and carried to Pow- 
hatan. You will remember that Smith and his 
party had brought back, on their return, some 
men, then on their way to Werowocomoco. 
These had been expected by the Germans there, 
and wondering what had become of them, one 
of the Germans (by the advice of Powhatan) had 
disguised himself as an Indian, and come down 
as far as the glass-house, to learn, if possible, 
what had delayed them. This glass-house was 
about a mile from Jamestown, and was the 
common place of meeting for these villains. 
Smith, hearing of this, started with twenty 
chosen men to .arrest him, while some forty In- 
dians, in some way learning that he was com- 
ing, lay in ambush to seize him. Arriving at 
the glass-house, he found that the German had 



JOHN SMITH. 157 

escaped, and sent his men after hlra to take nim 
before he should reach Powhatan. In the mean 
time, armed only with his sword, he started alone 
toward Jamestown. In his way he met the 
chief of the Pashiphays, a man of great size and 
strength. At first he endeavored to draw the 
captain into the ambush, but faihng in that, 
tried to shoot him. Seeing this, Smith instantly 
closed in and grappled with him. It was im- 
possible for either of them to use weapons. It 
was a bare contest of strength, and the Indian 
being the strongest, dragged him into the river, 
hoping to drown him. They had now a fierce 
struggle in the water, until at last Smith got 
hold of the savage's throat, and almost strangled 
him. Then " disengaging himself, he drew his 
sword," and would have killed him, but the poor 
chief begged piteously for his life, and he con- 
sented to spare him. He led him, however, as 
a prisoner to Jamestown, and put him in chains. 
In the mean time his men had taken the Ger- 
man, and brought him in also as a prisoner, and 
his treachery was at once made known by the 
confession of the captive chief. Upon this, 
Smith sent a message to Powhatan, offering im- 
mediately to release the chief, if he would sur- 
render the treacherous Germans. But this he 

14 



158 JOHN SMITH. 

was as unwilling to do, as the Germans were to 
come to Jamestown. While this was going on, 
the chief of the Pashiphays managed to make 
his escape. Efforts were made to recapture 
him, but to no purpose. Captain Wynne and 
Lieutenant Percy, however, to punish him and 
his tribe for his insolence, marched with a body 
of fifty men into their country, slew many of the 
people, burnt their houses, and took their canoes 
and fishing weirs. Returning to Jamestown, they 
set up these weirs for their own benefit. 

Not long after this, as Smith was passing on 

his way to the Chickahominy River, he was 

assaulted by the Pashiphays; but as soon as 

they knew him, they threw down their bows 

and arrows, and sued for peace. One of 

them (a young fellow named Okaning) came 

forward and thus addressed him : — " Captain 

Smith, the chief, my master, is here among us. 

He attacked you, mistaking you for Captain 

Wynne, who has pursued us in war and injured 

us. If he has offended you by escaping from 

prison, I beg you will consider that the fish swim, 

the fowls fly, and the very beasts strive to escape 

the snare and live; then blame not him, being 

a man. Remember what pains he took to save 

your life, when you were a prisoner. If he has 



JOHN SMITH. 159 

injured you since, you have been amply revenged, 
to our great loss. We know that you are de- 
termined to destroy us, but we are here to entreat 
your friendship, and beg that we may enjoy our 
houses and plant our fields. You shall share the 
fruits ; but if you drive us off, you w'ill be the 
w^orse for our absence. Though it may cost us 
more labor, we can plant anywhere ; but we 
know you cannot live unless you have our har- 
vests to supply your wants. If you promise us 
peace we will believe you : if you proceed in 
revenge, we will quit the country." Smith at 
once promised peace if they would do no farther 
injury, and bring in provisions to the fort. To 
this they gladly agreed, and then parted good 
friends. This friendship continued (it is said) 
till Smith left the country. 

Upon his return to Jamestown, an incident 
occurred, which served to make him a still greater 
man among the Indians. A pistol, it seems, had 
been stolen by one of the Chick ahominy tribe, 
and the thief had escaped, while his two bro- 
thers, who were known to be his companions, 
•were seized. Retaining one as a hostage, 
Smith sent the other in search of the pistol, 
telling him if he did not return with it in 
twelve hours, his brother should be hanged. 



160 JOHN SMITH. 

As the weather was cold, a charcoal fire was 
made in the dungeon where the prisoner was 
confined. The gas from the coal caused him to 
faint away, and when his brother in a little time 
returned with the pistol, he was in great agony, 
supposing him to be dead. To comfort him. 
Captain Smith told him, that if he would steal 
no more, he would recover his brother. By the 
use of brandy and vinegar, he soon began to 
shew signs of life : but then he seemed crazy, 
and this distressed his brother even more than 
his death. The captain agreed to cure him of 
this also. He knew that his dehrium was caused 
only by the liquor he had swallowed : and di- 
recting that he should not be disturbed, a sound 
sleep soon brought him to his senses. After 
this, Smith gave presents to each of them, and 
they returned homeward, telling everywhere, by 
the way, that " Captain Smith could bring the 
dead to life," and his fame rang the louder 
throughout all that region. 

About the same time, another Indian at Wero- 
wocomoco had managed to get a large bag of 
gunpowder, and the back-piece of a suit of ar- 
mor. He had sometimes seen the soldiers at 
Jamestown drying their powder over the fire, 
and he now undertook to do the same thing by 



JOHN S?yIITH. 161 

spreading it out upon this piece of armor. H's 
companions stood anxiously peeping over him to 
see his skill, when suddenly the powder explod- 
ed, killed three upon the spot, and inju el 
several others. The Indians learned now more 
than ever to fear " the white men's gunpow- 
der." " These, with some other accidents, so 
frightened and amazed Powhatan and his people, 
that they flocked from all parts, and with pre- 
sents desired peace — returning many stolen 
things, which had never been demanded or 
thought of by the English. And ever after, 
during the remainder of Captain Smith's admin- 
istration, both Powhatan and his people would 
send back to Jamestown such as had been taken 
stealing, to receive their punishment; and the 
whole country became as absolutely free and 
safe to the English as to themselves."* 

Now the colonists pursued their business with 
industry and success. They made quantities of 
tar, pitch, and potash, succeeded in making a 
fair sample of glass, dug a Avell of excellent 
water in the fort, which, till then, was wanting, 
built about twenty houses, put a new roof on 
the church, provided nets and weirs for fishing, 

•Stith's History of Virginia, page 97. 

14* 



162 JOHN SMITH. 

and to stop the disorders of the thieves and In- 
dians, erected a block house on the " neck of the 
island." Here the trade of the Indians was to 
be received, and soldiers were stationed, so that 
no man (either Indian or colonist) should pass 
and repass without an order from the president. 
" Thirty or forty acres of ground were broken up 
and planted." Another block house was built 
upon Hog Island, and a garrison stationed there 
to give prompt notice of the arrival of any ships. 
For their exercise, at leisure times, " they made 
clapboard and wainscot." In the midst of all 
this industry and good order, Captain Wynne 
died. He was the only remaining member of 
the council, and now the whole government de- 
volved upon Captain Smith. 

This happy state of things was soon interrupt- 
ed again by a general fear of starvation. Upon 
an examination of their supplies, they found half 
their corn rotten, and the rest badly damaged 
by the rats. All ordinary work Avas stopped, 
and the people employed themselves diligent- 
ly to procure provisions. The Indians were 
very kind, bringing in from day to day, squir- 
rels, turkeys, and deer, and Powhatan even di- 
vided his stock of corn with them. Notwith- 
standing this friendship, Smith found it necessary 



JOHN SMITH. 163 

to Send sixty of his men down the river to hve 
upon oysters. Twenty were sent to the falls 
wdth ]\lr. West, and as many more to Point 
Comfort with Lieutenant Percy, that they might 
catch fish. Many were billeted amon^ the In- 
dians, w^ho proved in every w^ay friendly. Quan- 
tities of sturgeon were taken, which " being dried 
and pounded, and then mingled with sorrel and 
wholesome herbs," made good food. Some 
gathered (we are told) as much Tuckahoe root 
in a day as would make them bread for a week. 
Notwithstanding their pinching w^ants, some 
of the men (about 150) were w^orthless vaga- 
bonds, unwilling to make any effort whatever. 
These fellows tormented Smith continually, beg- 
ging him that he w^ould sell their tools, iron, 
swords, guns, and even their houses and ordnance 
to the savages, for such food as they w^ould give. 
They went farther than this — even demanding 
clamorously that he would desert the country. 
This was more than the captain could endure. 
Seizing one of the worst of these lazy grumblers, 
he caused him to be severely punished, and then 
spoke to the rest as follows : " Fellow soldiers, 
I little thought any so false as to report, or so 
many so simple as to be persuaded, that I either 
intend to starve you, or that Powhatan at this 



164 JOHN SMITH. 

time hath corn for himself, much less for you, or 
that I would not have it if I knew where it were 
to be had. Neither did I think any so malicious 
as I now see many are ; yet it shall not provoke 
me even from doing my best for the very worst 
among you. But dream no longer of any help 
from Powhatan : nor that I will any longer for- 
bear to forc€ the idle to work, and punish them 
if they complain. If I find any one of you try- 
ing to escape to Newfoundland in the pinnace, I 
will certainly hang him at the gallows. You 
cannot deny but that many a time I have saved 
your lives at the hazard of my own ; when (if 
your counsels had prevailed) you would all have 
starved. 1 protest by the God that made me, 
that sinc^ necessity will not force you to gather 
the fruits of the earth for yourselves — jou shall 
not only gather for j'^ourselves, but for those also 
that are sick. You know I have fared with the 
worst of you, and that my extra allowance has 
always been divided amongst the sick. The sick 
shall not starve, but share all our labors. He 
that does not gather every day as much as I do, 
the next day shall be put over the river, and be 
banished from the fort as a drone, until he shall 
mend his ways or starve." This speech caused 
at first a great clamor and outcry. Every one, 



JOHN SMITH. 165 

however, knew that Smith would do as he 
threatened, and no man was bold enough open- 
ly to disobey him. Most of them now set dili- 
gently to work to help themselves. Some few, 
still anxious to do nothing, and hearing that 
those who had been billeted among the Indians 
had been kindly treated, stole aw^ay from James- 
town to make their homes with the savages. 
But the Indians were so friendly to Smith, that 
they at once caught them and brought them 
back, w^here the poor wTetches were properly 
punished for playing runaways. 

You wall remember that Sicklemore had been 
sent off to look for silk grass, and to find some 
one of Sir Walter Raleigh's lost colony. He 
now returned unsuccessful. As the council in 
England, however, were particularly anxious 
about this lost colony. Smith again sent two of 
his men (Nathaniel Powel and Anas Todkill) to 
inquire about them of the Mangoags, a tribe of 
Indians dwelling upon some of the upper branches 
of the Roanoake River in Carolina. Furnished 
with suitable guides, they departed, but ere long 
came back to Jamestown equally unsuccessful. 

The treacherous Germans beginning again to 
make trouble. Smith sent one of the colonists (a 
Swiss named Volday) to try to persuade them to 



1G6 JOHN SMITH. 

come home. But this fellow, Vv'hlle pretending 
to hate the villany of these deserters, was in 
fact as great a traitor as any one of them. He 
had scarcely reached them when he began to 
conspire with them to destroy the colony. Know- 
incr the distress at Jamestown ; that the colonists 
were mostly wandering about in search of food, 
and the fort consequently but slightly guarded, 
he went to Powhatan and offered, if he would 
lend him forces, not only to burn the town 
and seize the bark, but to make most of the 
colonists his slaves. This plot was made known 
to certain discontented fellows at the fort, in the 
hope of receiving their aid ; but two of them 
were so smitten with horror at the thought of it, 
that they instantly revealed it to Smith. Such 
was the rage and indignation now towards these 
conspirators, that several volunteered to go to 
Werowocomoco immediately and kill them in 
the very presence of the king. Two of them 
(Mr. Wiffin and Jeifery Abbot) were at length 
despatched expressly for the purpose. But the 
Germans, upon their arrival, deceived Abbot with 
a fair story, and Wiffin was not willing to at- 
tempt the business alone ; so the villains escaped. 
Powhatan acted very properly in this matter. 
As soon as he heard of the business upon which 



JOKV SMITH. 167 

Wiffin and x\bbot had come, he sent word to 
Smith that he would neither protect the Ger- 
mans, nor prevent his men from executing his 
design upon them, for he would entertain no 
man who was his enemy. One of these Germans 
afterwards returned to Jamestow^n on a promise 
of pardon. The others who remained at Wero- 
wocomoco could make no farther mischief, so far 
as Smith was concerned, for he was rever- 
enced by Powhatan and the surrounding tribes 
to such an extent, that they instantly informed 
him of any intended plot. 

Heavier troubles, however, were soon to fall 
upon Smith, and all the colony. Captain Samuel 
Argall now arrived from England, w^ith the pur- 
pose of trading with the colony and fishing for stur- 
geon. His ship was well laden wath wine and pro- 
visions. " This was a prohibited trade, but Argall 
being a kinsman to Sir Thomas Smith, the trea- 
surer, it was overlooked. The necessities of the 
colony obliged them to take his provisions, by 
which his voyage was lost ; but they revictual- 
led him when their next supply arrived, and 
sent him to England w^ith a full account of the 
istate of their affairs. By this ship they received 
letters, which taxed the president for his hard 
usage of the natives, and for not returning the 



168 JOHN SMITH. 

ships freighted. And now also they first had an 
account of the alterations in England, and of the 
great preparations and large supply to be sent 
by the Lord Delaware, appointed Captain Gen- 
eral and Governor in chief of Virginia."* 

♦ Stith's Virginia, page 100. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

J\^ew charter granted by the king to the Virginia 
Company — Smith is deposed, and Lord Dela- 
ware made governor of Virginia — Seven ships 
arrive at Jamestown — Confusion in the colony 
— Courage and services of Smith — Friendship 
of the Indians toward him — Is seriously in- 
jured by an accident — Conspiracy to murder 
him — Friendship of his old soldiers — Returns 
to England — State of the colony at his depar- 
ture — His loss is felt severely in the colony. 

It seems strange that after all the struggles 
of Smith, the council in England should have 
been dissatisfied with him. Their conduct, how- 
ever, is explained when you remember that they 
were continually looking for returns of gold and 
silver from Virginia, and were continually dis- 
appointed. Newport's last arrival from the colo- 
ny had disappointed them more than ever ; 
Smith's letter had provoked them, and Newport, 
acting a miserable part, had wilfully misrepre- 
sented the condition of the colony. He seems 

15 



170 JOHN SMITH. 

to have been a weak but ambitious man, willing 
to elevate himself in any way, however mean. 
The council, therefore, asked the king for a new 
charter for the colony, which was readily grant- 
ed. This charter is dated the 23d of May, 1609. 
By it. Lord Delaware w^as made Captain General 
of Virginia ; Sir Thomas Gates his Lieutenant 
General ; Sir George Somers, Admiral ; Captain 
Newport, Vice Admiral ; Sir Thomas Dale, 
High Marshal, and Sir Ferdinando Wainman, 
General of the Horse. The powers of the old 
President and Council in Virginia were set aside, 
and the colonists were commanded at once to 
render obedience to these new officers. 

The council at once commenced making pre- 
parations for an enterprise toward the new world, 
and in a little time Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George 
Somers, and Captain Newport, were ready with 
nine ships and five hundred people. It was 
agreed in the council that w^hichever of these 
three officers should reach Virginia first, he was 
to govern the colony, until the arrival of Lord 
Delaware. Jealous of the possible authority of 
each other, to settle this matter, they agreed to 
embark in the same ship. On the last of May, 
the whole fleet sailed from England. On the 
25th of July they were visited by a hurricane, 



JOHN SMITH. 171 

which separated the ship, bearing the officers 
from the fleet, and drove her ahnost a wreck 
among the Bermuda Islands. Unfortunately, 
there were on board this vessel, besides one hun- 
dred and fifty of the emigrants, " all the bills of 
lading, all the instructions and directions, and 
the best part of their provisions." Another 
smaller ship was wrecked in the same tempest, 
while the other seven, riding out the storm, ar- 
rived safely at Jamestown. 

The guard on duty at the block house, mark- 
ing their approach, gave notice, and immediately 
the whole colony was under arms. Smith, sup- 
posing that it was a fleet of Spaniards coming 
to invade them, called the men to their duty, and 
the Indians, in their love for him, volunteered to 
assist in fighting the expected battle. Their 
fears, however, were soon over, when they dis- 
covered that the fleet w^as manned by their coun- 
trymen. 

A battle with Spaniards, however, w^as pre- 
ferable to what soon occurred. In the ships 
that arrived were three worthless men, well 
known in the colony. These were Ratcliffe, 
Archer, and Martin. Hating Smith as they did, 
they had busied themselves during the whole 
voyage, in telling falsehoods, and endeavoring 



172 JOHN SMITH 

to make enemies for Lira. They had, in a good 
degree, succeeded : and now the new comers 
were scarcely ashore, before their temper and 
bearing toward him began to be seen. No new 
commission had as yet arrived to set aside his 
authority, yet they refused to obey him, and pre- 
tended first to set up one governor and then an- 
other, until the whole colony was one scene of 
confusion. The old settlers, who knew their 
captain's worth, stood by him firmly, but he, 
disgusted with the madness of these new comers, 
allowed them for a time to have their own way 
and do as they pleased. 

The German too, who had returned under 
promise of pardon, proved traitor again. Seeing 
the distraction of the colony, and hearing the 
loud talk of the new adventurers, he again went 
over to Powhatan, promising to do " wonders for 
him upon the arrival of Lord Delaware." The 
Germans still at Werowocomoco joined the fel- 
low in his promises, but Powhatan understood 
too well the value of such friends. Knowing 
that treason is base, and that the men who would 
betray Smith, might one day be as ready to be- 
tray him, he ordered his men to seize them and 
beat out their brains. Void ay was the only 
tvcHor of the old gang left, and that you may 



JOHN SMITH. 173 

see the full reward of iniquity, I may as well tell 
you at once, that he managed to escape to Eng- 
land before this, made great promises of what 
he would do for the council, and was sent back 
with Lord Delaware to carry out his fine pur* 
poses. In a little time he was found to be a 
mere impostor, and died in misery and disgrace. 
Wearied and disgusted with the confusion at 
Jamestown, Smith began now to think of return- 
ing to England. But the madness of the new 
comers had reached such a pitch, that the sober 
men among them saw that their only safety 
Avas to be found in securing his protection. They 
therefore went to him, begging that he would 
remember that no new governor had arrived, that 
his commission had not yet expired, and entreat- 
ing him to abandon the thought of leaving them, 
and to restore order in the colony. Ever rea- 
dy to sacrifice his own feelings for the pub- 
lic good. Smith consented to remain, and set 
himself courageously to the task of reforming 
abuses, even at the point of his life. He seized 
Ratcliffe, Archer, and other leaders of the riot, 
and cast them into prison, until a leisure time 
should come for their fair trial. Thoroughly to 
break up the plots of the conspirators, he thought 
it best to divide them. Martin w^as sent with 

15* 



174 JOHN SMITH. 

one hundred and twenty men to make a set- 
tlement at Nansamond, while Mr. West was 
despatched wdth the same number to make a 
settlement at the falls. Each was supplied Avith 
a good stock of provisions. Before Martin left. 
Smith, by one act, gained still greater popularity. 
He offered to resign in his favor, and allow him 
to act as governor. But Martin, though a weak 
man, knew he w^as not fit for the place, and de- 
clined it — preferring to take his men to Nansa- 
mond. 

His settlement at Nansamondj however, proved 
a perfect failure. The Indians "were very kind, 
but such was " his jealousy of them, that he sur- 
prised the poor naked king, and his monuments 
and his houses, with the island wherein he lived, 
and there fortified himself." This outraged the 
savages. Gathering in numbers, they attacked 
him, killed several of his men, released their 
king, and carried off a thousand bushels of corn. 
He was so frightened that he made but little 
effort to oppose them ; but sent off to James- 
town for thirty soldiers. These were immedi- 
ately sent, but seeing Martin's cowardice, came 
back, refusing to serve under such a leader. He 
soon followed them, leaving his poor company 
to shift for themselves. 



JOHN SMITH. 175 

West was equally imprudent at the falls, and 
his settlement did not fare much better. It was 
made upon a point of land which was frequently 
inundated by the river. Smith, feeling much 
anxiety about this settlement, had taken a leisure 
moment to visit it. On his w^ay he met Mr. West 
returning to Jamestown to seek his advice. 
Learning the state of things, he at once pur- 
chased of Powhatan the place on the river 
called by his name, and wxnt up to remove the 
settlement there. The men at the falls proving 
insolent and resisting his authority, he (with the 
five men who were wdth him) seized some of the 
ringleaders and cast them into prison. But the 
riot only increased — their numbers proved too 
strong for him, and he was glad to escape in a 
boat with his life. The Indians now came to 
him complaining that these men at the falls 
" were \vorse than the Monacans themselves" — 
that they stole their corn, robbed their gardens, 
beat them, and put them in prison; but that 
they would endure these things no longer. They 
had borne with them " out of love for him, but 
hereafter they desired pardon if they defended 
themselves." As he himself bad been injured 
by these men, they offered at once to fight for 
him if he would lead them on. After spending 



176 JOHxN SMITH. 

nine days in the neighborhood, hoping in vain 
that these rioters would come to their senses, he 
started for Jamestown. His barge had moved 
off only about half a league, when she grounded. 
•This was a fortunate circumstance for the men 
•at the falls, for Smith had scarcely left them, 
■when twelve Indians, finding some of them strag- 
gling in the woods, murdered them, and then 
violently assaulted the settlement. The fright- 
ened men (too cowardly to protect themselves) 
now sent for Smith, offering to do as he desired 
if he would come back. He immediately return- 
ed, and after punishing six or seven as examples 
to their companions, removed them all to Pow- 
hatan. There was no reason in their not going 
there before. Here they had dry houses and 
lodgings, near two hundred acres of land cleared 
and ready for planting, besides a fort which had 
formerly been erected by the savages. The 
place, too, was strong by nature, having been 
once selected as his home by the skilful eye of 
Powhatan, and now they were so much pleased 
with it, that they gave it the name of Nonesuch. 
Yet, before Smith had fairly settled them, 
West, who was dissatisfied with this movement, 
began to make discord among them, and some 
of them were soon again discontented. They be- 



JOHN SMITH. 177 

gan to complain, and as Smith had no disposition 
to quarrel with West, and no means of stopping 
their insolence, he at once started for Jamestown, 
leaving them to do as they pleased. In a little 
time, under the persuasions of West, they de- 
serted this place with all its advantages and Avenfc 
back to the falls. 

Passing down the river. Smith met with a very 
serious accident. Being asleep in the boat, a 
bag of powder exploded near him, tearing his 
flesh and burning him dreadfully. To quench 
the fire (his clothes were all in a blaze) he leap- 
ed into the water, and with great difficulty was 
rescued by his men from drowning. In " this 
piteous state" he arrived at Jamestow^n. Ratcliffe 
and Archer with the other prisoners were soon 
now to be brought to trial. Dreading the result, 
(for they knew their guilt,) they basely conspired 
to take advantage of his condition, and murder 
him in his bed. But the wretch who was en- 
gaged to despatch him, was not equal to this 
deed of cruelty. His heart failed him, even with 
the pistol in his hand. Disappointed in this, 
these villains then endeavored to usurp the go- 
vernment, thereby to escape their punishment. 
The old soldiers of the captain were now enrag- 
ed almost to desperation. Flocking around him, 



178 JOHN SMITH. 

they declared that if he would only say the word, 
they would fetch him the heads of the boldest 
villains thus trying to injure him. But he, de- 
sirous of having no farther disturbance in the 
colony, persuaded them to be quiet. Suffering 
from his wounds, and sick at heart, he resolv- 
ed to return to England. His old friends 
crowded around him, entreating him to stay, even 
with tears in their eyes ; but he could not be 
persuaded. He fancied that he should never re- 
cover except in England, and he mourned " to 
see his authority suppressed, he knew not why ; 
himself and his soldiers to be rewarded for their 
past labors and dangers, he knew not how; and 
a new commission granted to, he knew not 
whom." Moreover, he thought himself useless 
in his present condition, and this was reason 
enough with him for his departure. It was ear- 
ly in the autumn of 1609, that he was carried 
aboard ship, and departed from Virginia never 
again to see it. 

In spite of all difficulties, the colony was in a 
tolerably prosperous condition. He left behind 
him near five hundred colonists, one hundred of 
w^hom w^ere well trained soldiers of his own, 
three ships, seven boats, twenty-four pieces of 
ordnance, three hundred muskets, with other 



JOHN SMITH. 179 

arms and ammunition for the men, nets for fish- 
ing, tools for working, a good supply of clothing, 
large stores of provisions, and an abundant stock 
of domestic animals. 

It may serve to shew the littleness of some 
enemies left behind, when we are told that, " at 
one time the ships were delayed from sailing 
for three weeks, that complaints might be looked 
up against him and sent to England ;" and the 
real excellence of his character is well seen, 
when it is known how, in less than six months 
after his departure, friends and enemies sighed 
for his presence in Virginia. When the famine, 
known as " the starving time," swept over the 
colony, and after eating roots, the skins of their 
horses, and at last the dead bodies of their com- 
panions, the five hundred left by the captain was 
reduced to the little band of sixty, men, women, 
and children ; at that time they knew how to 
value him. It was then that they sighed for 
their old leader and fellow-sufferer in every diffi- 
culty. Captain Smith. 



CHAPTER IX. 

Smith s first voyage to JSTew England in 161 4 — 
Treachery of Captain Hunt — Smith makes a 
map of the coast^ and upon his return presents 
it to Prince Charles — Sails a second time for 
JSTew England — Is taken by French pirates 
and carried a prisoner to Rochelle — Makes his 
escape during a storm — »dt length arrives in 
his own country — Publishes his description of 
Jfew England — Goes through the western part 
of England distributing copies of his book — 
Circumstances which brought the Princess 
Pocahontas to England in 1616 — She meets 
with Smith — Touching interview — Embassy of 
Vttamatomakkin — Pocahontas dies in Eng- 
land, leaving an infant son — Mews of Ope- 
chancanough^s massacre at Jamestown in 1622 
— Smith proposes to revenge the death of his 
countrymen — In 1623, appears before King 
Jameses commission for reforming abuses in 
Virginia — In 1631, dies at London^ in the 
fifty-second year of his age. 

Five years now pass away before we hear 
again of Captain Smith and of course I can tell 



JOHN SMITH. 181 

you nothing of his employments during that time. 
At length, in the year 1614, we find him busy 
in London, making arrangements with some 
merchants there for an expedition to New Eng- 
land. Attempts had before this been made to 
plant colonies in that region, but they had failed, 
and greatly discouraged the people of England; 
but Smith's energy now roused these merchants 
to a new adventure. Two ships were made 
ready, and to save the expenses of the voyage, 
he was to employ himself and crew in searching 
for mines and capturing whales. If he failed 
in these two purposes, he was to bring home a 
cargo of such fish and furs as he could procure. 
In the month of March the ships departed — 
one commanded by Smith, the other by Captain 
Thomas Hunt. They arrived, on the last day of 
April, at the Island of Monahigon, off the coast 
of Maine. Here, after building seven boats, 
some w^ent inland to look for the mines, while 
others set to work to capture the whales. They 
were busy in these efforts without success for two 
monthSjWhen Smith, thinking it was idle to waste 
any farther time, set them to taking and curing 
cod fish, of which there was an abundance on the 
coast. While they were thus employed, taking 
with him eight men in a small boat, he ranged 

16 



182 JOHN SMITH. 

the coast from Penobscot to Cape Cod, gathering 
furs from the Indians. During this time, as usual, 
he observed everything closely, gave names to 
many of the places that he passed, and made a 
map of the whole coast. The month of August 
having now arrived, and his ship being laden, 
he sailed for England, leaving Hunt behind him, 
(whose ship was not yet laden,) with directions 
to complete his cargo of fish as rapidly as he 
could, and sail for Spain, where he would find a 
good market. 

This Hunt proved to be an unprincipled man. 
Smith had scarcely left, when he managed to 
get twenty-four Indians on board his ship, 
seized them, and sailing directly to Malaga 
in Spain, sold them as slaves. It is said 
that this act of wickedness was prompted by 
the desire to make the savages on the coast, 
enemies to his countrymen ; hoping thereby to 
prevent the planting of a colony, that his own 
private gains might be the greater. Be this as 
it may, certain it is that he succeeded in making 
them enemies; for long after this, the whites 
were made to suffer for his iniquity. 

Upon his return to England, Smith put in at 
the port of Plymouth. Here he commenced 
tellmg of his adventures, and meeting with Sir 



JOHN SMITH. 183 

Ferdinando Gorges, was at once introduced by 
him to the Plymouth Company of Adventurers. 
This was the company making efforts (as you 
will remember) to settle New England or North 
Virginia, as it was then called, and they imme- 
diately engaged his services. Passing over to 
London now, he found the London Company 
(which he had formerly served) anxious to em- 
ploy him, but could not meet their wishes, ow- 
ing to his engagement at Plymouth. Their 
wish, however, serves to shew how much the 
man was valued, after all the complaints and 
murmurs that had been made against him. 

While in London, he presented to Prince 
Charles (afterwards King Charles the First) his 
map of the new region — with a request (as some 
say) that he would give a name to the country 
— and the king called it New England. Others 
assert that Smith gave it this name himself. It is 
certain, however, that the prince altered various 
names upon the map. Cape Tragabigzanda (call- 
ed by Smith after his Turkish mistress) was chang- 
ed to Cape Ann, and the islands near the cape, 
which Smith called the " Turks' Heads," in honor 
of his victory over the three Turks, lost also 
their name. Cape Cod was called by the prince 
Cape James, in honor of his father, though we 



1S4 JOHN SMITH. 

still retain the first name — and thus the cod-fish 
on the coast have succeeded better than a prince 
in giving a name to that point. What are now 
known, too, as the Isles of Shoals, were upon 
Smith's map marked as " Smith's Isles." I do not 
know, however, that we are indebted to the 
prince for this last change. 

It was in the month of January, 1615, when 
Smith left London to keep his engagement with 
the Plymouth Company. They had promised 
to provide him with four ships for an adventure ; 
but upon his arrival, he was greatly disappointed 
to find they were not ready. The truth is, the 
company was again discouraged. In June (it 
seems) a ship had sailed for New England, and 
owing to the wickedness of Hunt, had met with 
a very unkind reception upon the coast, from 
the savages. She had now returned, and the 
crew of course had sad stories to tell of their 
trials. Smith was determined that his enter- 
prise should not fail. By the help of Sir Fer- 
dinando Gorges and other friends, after an en- 
ergetic and untiring struggle, he managed to 
have two ships equipped and ready for his 
voyage. The one (of one hundred tons) was to 
be commanded by himself: the other (of fifty 
tons) was to be commanded by Captain Thomas 



JOHN SMITH. 185 

Bermer. Sixteen emigrants were to embark for 
the purpose of making a permanent settlement. 

In the month of March they set sail. The 
ships kept together for about one hundred and 
twenty leagues, when a storm separated them. 
Dermer pursued his voyage, but Smith, after 
losing both his masts, was forced to put back 
under a jury-mast to Plymouth. He was de- 
tained some little time in making new arrange- 
ments. Having at length put his stores on board 
a small bark of sixty tons, manned by thirty men, 
he again set sail. 

His voyage now was only a voyage of mis- 
fortunes. In a Httle time he fell in with an 
English pirate. His frightened crew begged 
that he would surrender ; but this he refused to 
do, though he carried but four guns, and the 
pirate thirty-six. There was no fight, however, 
for upon hailing her. Smith found that the cap- 
tain and some of the crew were his old friends 
and comrades ; that they had run away with the 
ship from Tunis, and were now in great want of 
provisions. In their distress they begged to put 
themselves under his command, but this Smith 
refused, and kept on his voyage. Ere long, he 
came in sight of two French pirates. His cow- 
ardly crew again begged that he would at once 

16* 



186 JOHN SMITH. 

surrender. Smith was now angry. He threat- 
ened to blow up the ship sooner than do this. 
The pirates chased him, but keeping up a brisk 
running fight, he made his escape. Soon after 
he met four French men-of-war, that were out 
upon a cruise, having orders from the French 
king to seize any pirates they might find. Smith 
went aboard one of the ships and shewed his 
commission, to prove that he was no pirate. But 
the French commander was unwilUng to believe 
him. The truth was, that the French had set- 
tlements in North America, and were jealous of 
all efforts of the English toward the same pur- 
pose. Smith's ship was therefore plundered, 
manned with Frenchmen, and his crew taken 
aboard the French ships. Strangely enough, 
however, in a little time they delivered his vessel 
to him, and he prepared to continue his voyage 
for New England, amid the loud murmurs of his 
men, who now begged that they might return to 
Plymouth. The poor cowards had been so often 
frightened, that they were unwilling to be longer 
at sea. Smith refused to hearken to their com- 
plaints, yet they managed to carry out their wish. 
I will tell you how it was brought about. 

The admiral of the French fleet pretended 
(before the ships parted) that he was desirous of 



JOHN SMITH. 187 

seeing Smith, and sent for him to come on board 
his ship. The captain accepted the invitation 
and went. Whether Smith's own crew had 
engaged the admiral in a stratagem, or whether 
it was a natural accident, it so happened that 
while he was aboard, a strange sail was seen 
and the admiral gave chase. Thus Smith was 
separated from his men : the next night, they 
turned the ship's head homeward, and after some 
difficulty reached Plymouth. Some have said 
that these Frenchmen, knowing the character of 
Smith, and that he was the very life and soul 
of the English colonies in the new world, were 
especially jealous of him, and therefore thus 
kidnapped him. 

The admiral's ship (separated from the rest) 
kept on her way, and Smith found that he was 
in the midst of a lawless set of fellows. The 
Frenchmen now pretended to keep him as a 
prisoner, declaring that he was the man who 
had broken up the French settlements at Port 
Royal the year before, (which thing in fact had 
een done by Captain Argall.) The ship had 
a prosperous cruise, so far as plunder was con- 
cerned. Sometimes she would meet and plunder 
English ships, upon which occasions Smith was 
always kept below 5 but when the ships of other 



188 JOHN SMITH. 

nations were encountered, he was always made 
to do his part of the fighting. At length, the 
cruise being over, she sailed for the port of 
Rochelle. The Frenchmen seem to have been 
conscious that they were guilty men for thus 
treating him, for before reaching port they pro- 
mised to repay him for all his sufferings and 
losses, by giving him his part of the plunder. 
Having arrived in port, however, they broke 
their promise and kept him as a prisoner in the 
ship in the harbor. Here they tried to force from 
him a written discharge of all demands against 
them. This he refused to give, and a kind Pro- 
vidence soon released him from his captivity. 
A sudden storm arose, and drove the crew of the 
ship below. Smith waited until night came on, 
and then taking the boat, with a half pike which 
served as an oar, pushed off for the shore. The 
current being strong, his little boat drifted to sea, 
and for twelve hours he was tossed about upon 
the ocean, expecting every moment to perish. 
Fortunately, " the turn of the tide" at length 
threw him upon a low marshy island, where he 
was found in the morning by some fowlers, al- 
most dead from cold and hunger. He agreed 
to give them his boat if they would take him to 
Rochelle. Upon his arrival there, he learned 



JOHN SMITH. 189 

that the effects of the storm had been tremen- 
dous. The ship in which he had been confined, 
with one of her prizes, had been wrecked upon 
the shore, and the captain w^ith half the crew 
had perished. 

He now made complaint to the judge of the 
admiralty of the cruel treatment he had received, 
and brought forward many of the sailors to prove 
the truth of his statements. It seems he found 
no remedy ; but the judge, having some idea of 
justice, gave him a certificate, stating that he 
believed his story to be true. In his misfortune, 
he met w^ith many friends at Rochelle, and after- 
wards at Bourdeaux, upon presenting the letter 
of the judge to the English ambassador, found 
many more. After some hardships, he once 
more returned to England. 

It seems he had not been idle while he was 
a captive on board the French ship. During 
this time he had written an account of his two 
last voyages, with descriptions of the country of 
New England, " with its many advantages, and 
the proper methods of rendering it a valuable 
acquisition to the English dominions." Return- 
ing home, he published this, together with his 
map of New England, and in his ardent de- 
sire to rouse the energies of his countrymen to- 



190 JOHN SMITH. 

wards colonizing that country, wandered over 
all the western parts of England, giving away 
copies of his book. In this way (it is said) he 
distributed seven thousand copies. He found the 
people greatly discouraged by the different fail- 
ures that had occurred already, though some of 
them " made many fair promises" about a new 
effort. The Plymouth Company, as some reward 
for his services, now honored him with the title 
of Admiral of New England. 

In the spring of the next year, (1616,) to his 
great surprise and joy, he met with his former 
friend, the princess Pocahontas. As everything 
connected with this noble-hearted woman has 
an interest for my countrymen, I must tell you 
the circumstances which brought about the 
meeting. 

After Smith left Virginia, the friendship of 
Pocahontas for the whites still continued. It 
was not so with her father Powhatan. From 
time to time, he was busy in stratagems against 
them. In 1610, the friendship and animosity of 
both parties were well proved, when Powhatan 
cut off Ratcliffe and a party of thirty men, while 
Pocahontas managed to save a boy named Henry 
Spihnan. From some cause or other, (possibly 
the cruelty of Powhatan towards the whites,) 



JOHN SMITH. 191 

Pocahontas at length left her father's house, and 
made her home among the Potomacs. In one 
of his trading voyages in 1612, Captain Argall 
learned from the chief of the Potomacs that 
she was there, and determined to make her a 
prisoner. He thought that if he could get pos- 
session of the daughter, Powhatan, in his love 
for her and his desire to release her, would make 
peace on any terms. Accordingly he bribed the 
old chief (Japazaws) with the promise of a cop- 
per kettle, to aid him in carrying out his plan. 

The design was to get the princess on board 
Argall's ship, and a curious stratagem was re- 
sorted to. Old Japazaws and his wife made a 
visit to Pocahontas, and the wife (as she had 
been instructed to do) expressed a great desire 
to visit "the Englishman's ship." The chief re- 
fused to allow her to go, and threatened to beat 
her for having such a wish. She (still act- 
ing her part) began to weep and howl, and then 
the old hypocrite Japazaws, pretending to re- 
lent, consented that she might go if Pocahontas 
would accompany her. The amiable princess 
at once assented, and they went on board. 
The captain received them very kindly, and en- 
tertained them in the cabin, where the old chief 
kept from time to time, treading on his toe to 



192 JOHN SMITH. 

remind him that he had done his part. After 
this Pocahontas " was decoyed into the o-un 
room" for a time, that Japazaws might receive 
his reward without her knowing anything of his 
treachery. The kettle and many toys being 
given to him and his wife, Pocahontas at length 
was called by the captain, and told she was 
a prisoner — that she should not be harmed in 
any way, but was to be the means of peace be- 
tween her father and the English. The princess 
w^as greatly overcome, and wept bitterly, while 
the old hypocrites Japazaws and his wife set up 
a most hideous howling. She was at length 
pacified and consented to go to Jamestown, 
(where it seems she had not been since Smith 
left the country,) and the old chief and his wife 
"were sent ashore, greatly pleased, yet bitterly 
wailing. 

Upon the arrival of the ship at Jamestown, a 
message was immediately sent to Powhatan, 
telling him of the captivity of his daughter, and 
offering to deliver her up to him if he would sur- 
render all the prisoners whom he had taken, and 
all the guns and tools of the English that he had 
stolen. The news made the old man very sad, 
for he loved his daughter, and he liked the guns. 
He seems not to have known what to do, and 



JOHN SMITH. 193 

consequently, for three months, returned no an- 
swer. At the end of this time, he sent back 
seven Enghsh prisoners, each bringing a worn 
out musket, with a message that " when they 
should deliver his daughter, he would make full 
satisfaction for all injuries, give them four hun- 
dred bushels of corn, and be their friend for ever." 
The Enghsh answered " that his daughter should 
be well used ; but as they could not beheve that 
the rest of their arms were either lost or stolen 
from him, they w^ould keep her till he had sent 
them all back." This vexed him so much that 
for a long time they heard no more from him. 
At length Sir Thomas Dale, taking with him 
Pocahontas, and one hundred and fifty men, 
sailed up the river in one of the ships to Wero- 
"wocomoco. Upon his arrival, Powhatan would 
not see him. Dale spoke, however, to some of 
his men, telhng them that he had come for the 
purpose of delivering up the king's daughter if 
he would surrender the men and arms belonging 
to the colony. The savages received this only 
with threats, telling him if he and his men came 
to fight they were welcome. Then, with cool 
impudence, they advised him to be off if he valued 
the lives of his men, otherwise they w^ould all 
meet with the fate of RatclifFe's party. This 

17 



194 JOHN SMITH. 

was more than could well be borne. The whites 
at once commenced burning their houses, and 
destroying everything they could find, until at 
length, after an idle resistance, the savages seem- 
ed disposed to come to terms. They said that 
their prisoners had run away, fearing that they 
would be hanged, but that some of Powhatan's 
men had gone to bring them back. This was 
only a stratagem to gain time, which Dale very 
well understood, and therefore told them that 
he would remain quiet until the next day at 
noon, when, if they were not ready to meet his 
demands, and were willing to fight, they might 
know when to begin by the sound of his drums 
and trumpets. In other words, a truce was 
agreed upon until noon of the next day. In the 
mean time two brothers of Pocahontas came on 
board the ship to see her, and w^eye greatly pleas- 
ed to find her (contrary to their expectations) 
well and happy. They now promised to use 
their efforts to persuade their father to ransom 
her, and to be for ever friends to the English- 
At the same time, Mr. John Rolfe and Mr. Sparks 
had been sent ashore to Powhatan, to inform 
him (if he could be found) of the business upon 
which they had come. But the old chief would 
not admit them to his presence. They could only 



JOHN SMITH. 195 

speak with Opechancanough, (his brother, ^ who 
promised to do his utmost with Powhatan, " to 
incHne him to peace and friendship with the 
colony." The truce ended, and nothing was 
done ; yet the whites were disposed to do nothing 
more at present, (owing, perhaps, to the fair 
promises of the kinsmen of Powhatan.) Another 
reason prompting them to waste no more time 
in the matter was, the desire to be at home to 
plant their lands ; so the whole party returned 
to Jamestown. 

In a little time, Powhatan became a warm 
friend to the whites, but it was hardly owing to 
the efforts of Opechancanough or his sons. It 
seems that Mr. Rolfe had formed an attachment 
for Pocahontas, while she had returned his love 
as warmly, and had spoken to one of her brothers 
of her feehngs. When Powhatan heard of this 
he was greatly pleased, and instantly consented 
to their marriage. Within ten days he sent his 
brother Opachisco and two of his sons to attend 
the wedding, acting as his deputies in all that 
might be necessary. The parties were duly 
married in April, 1613, and ever after this, there 
was a strong and lasting friendship between 
Powhatan and the colony. 

It was in the spring of 1616, that she arrived 



196 JOHN SMITH. 

in England with her husband. She was then 
about twenty-two years of age, and is said to 
have been " very graceful, and her manners gen- 
tle and pleasing." Living at Jamestown, she 
had learned to speak the English language, and 
embracing the Christian religion, had been bap- 
tized by the name of Rebecca.* She had heard 
in some way that her old friend Captain Smith 
was dead, and did not learn that he was living 
until she arrived in England. 

As soon as Smith heard of her arrival, he sent 
a letter to the queen, setting forth the character 
of Pocahontas, and her great kindness to himself 
and the colony in Virginia. This was done in 
gratitude by the captain, but it was well nigh 
useless, for her fame had reached England long 
before this. She was introduced to the queen 
by the Lady Delaware, and received with great 
courtesy and kindness by all the royal family. 
In a little time Smith came to see her, and the 

* The author was ignorant of the real name of Pocahontas, 
until he accidentally discovered in Stith's Virginia the follow- 
ing: " Her real name, it seems, was originally Mixfocx, which 
the Indians carefully concealed from the English, and chang- 
ed it to Pocahontas, out of a superstitious fear, lest they, by 
the knowledge of her true name, should be enabled to do her 
some hurt. She was the first Christian Indian in these parts, 
and perhaps the sincerest and most worthy that has ever 
been since." — Stith's Virginia, page 136. 



JOHN SMITH. 197 

interview between them was very touching At 
the first sight of him, after a modest salutation, 
she turned away, hid her face, and for two hours 
did not utter a word. After this she spoke to 
him, and called him father, and because Smith 
did not at once salute her as his child, she hid 
her face again and wept bitterly. She did not 
remember that she was the daughter of a king, 
and now in a land where kings were honored, 
and that Smith, perhaps, felt some delicacy for 
that reason in calling her his child. When re- 
minded of this, (it is said,) " she despised such 
affectation." She declared that she loved him 
as a father, that she had treated him as a father 
in her own country, and would be his child for 
ever. Then looking upon him again, she cried, 
*' They did tell us always you were dead, and I 
knew no other till I came to Plymouth : yet 
Powhatan did command Uttamatomakkin to seek 
you and know the truth." 

This savage (one of the trusty friends of Pow- 
hatan) had been sent out by the chief for three 
purposes — he was to learn if Smith was alive, 
and if alive to see him — to see the Englishman's 
God, and their king and queen — and to count the 
people of England. Upon meeting Smith, he 
desired, in his ignorance, to see his God. Then 

17* 



198 JOHN SMITH. 

he asked to see the king and queen. It seems 
he had seen the king, and Smith told him so, 
promising that in due time he would shew him 
the queen. The poor savage could hardly be 
persuaded that he had seen the king, because 
the person whom they called king had given 
him nothing. Turning to Smith, he said, " You 
gave Powhatan a white dog, but your king has 
given me nothing, and I am better than your 
white dog." As to numbering the people, he 
had managed that in a curious way. Upon his 
arrival at Plymouth, being unable to count the 
multitudes, he procured a long stick, and made 
a notch for every person that he met. It is said 
that upon his return home, when Powhatan ask- 
ed him how many people there w^ere in England, 
his answer was, " Count the stars in the sky, the 
leaves on the trees, and the sands upon the sea 
shore : for such is the number of the people in 
England." 

It was the fate of the princess Pocahontas 
never to return to Virginia. In the early part 
of 1617, as she was preparing to embark with 
her husband, she was at Gravesend suddenly 
taken sick, and died leaving one son, her infant 
boy, Thomas Rolfe. Her character proved good 



JOHN SMITH. 199 

to the last, for we are told that " she died calm- 
ly like a Christian."* 

We hear no more of Captain Smith now, un- 
til the year 1622, when news reached England 
of Opechancanoigh's dreadful massacre of the 
colonists at Jamestown. The tidings w^ere sad 
to all, but sadder to none than Smith. In his 
indignation at this savage butchery of his coun- 
trymen, he proposed at once to the company, that 
if they would give him one hundred soldiers and 
thirty sailors, with the necessary provisions and 
arms, he would go to Virginia, '^ range the 
country, keep the natives in awe, and protect 
the planters." The company was divided. Some 
were for hearkening to, others for opposing his 
project. At length, after consultation, they gave 
him this pitiful answer : " that the charges would 
be too great ; that their stock was reduced ; that 
the planters ought to defend themselves ; but 
that if he would go at his own expense, they 
would give him leave, provided he would give 
them one half of the pillage." He rejected their 
proposal with scorn. 

* Her son, Thomas Rolfe, after being for some time intrust- 
€d to his uncle in London, at length came to Virginia, and 
became somewhat distinguished. He married and left an only- 
daughter, and now some of the most reputable families in Vir* 
ginia are her descendants, and, through her, the descendants 
of her grand-mother, the princess Pocahontas. 



200 JOHN SMITH. 

The sad state of affairs in Virginia at length 
induced King James (in 1623) to issue a com- 
mission, appointing certain persons to examine 
into the causes of the difficulties, and report a 
plan for the better management of the colony. 
This commission, aware of the knowledge of 
Smith, was wise enough to send for him. He 
told them all that he knew of the colony, and 
gave them his advice as to the best way of 
proceeding to remedy matters, and make the 
colony happy and profitable. 

For some years now his life was more quiet. 
He busied himself from time to time in writing 
accounts of his travels, and struggUng to call up 
in his countrymen a spirit for colonizing America. 
It was not his privilege, however, to see the 
country for which he had struggled, and where 
he had endured so many hardships, all that he 
desired. He only in a measure foresaw, what 
the American plantations might become under 
proper management. Could he now look upon 
this beautiful land of ours, and see what his little 
colony has grown to, how would he be startled 
to find the richest calculations of his bold spirit 
more than realized ? 

I have no more to say, except that this won- 
derful man died at London in the year 1631, in 



JOHN SMITH. 201 

the fifty-second year of his age, and to add his 
own melancholy story after all his struggles. 
"I have" (says he) " spent five years and more 
than five hundred pounds in the service of Vir- 
ginia and New England, and in neither of them 
have I one foot of land, nor the very house I 
built, nor the ground I digged with my own 
hands ; but I see those countries shared before 
me, by those who know Ihem only by my de- 
scriptions." 



THE END. 






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2 vols. 8vo., handsomely printed on fine paper. 



10 
WOR.KS PUBLISHED IN 

APPLETON'S 

DEVOTIONAL LIBRARY. 



The greatest care is taken in selecting the works of which thi. 
eollection is composed. Each volume is printed on the finest pa- 
per, elegantly ornamented, and bound in a superior manner, and 
uniform in size. Bishop Doane says of this collection, " I write to 
express my thanks to you for reprints of the Oxford Books ; first, 
for such books, and secondly, in such a style. I sincerely hope 
you may be encouraged to goon, and give them all to us. You 
will dignify the art of printing, and you will do great service to the 
hf St interest of the country." In a letter received from Bishop 
Whitfingham, he says, "I had forgotten to express my very great 
satisfaction at your commencement of a series of Devotional 
Works, lately republished in Oxford." The publishers beg to state 
while in so short a time this library has increased to so many vol- 
um-s, they are encouraged to make yet larger additions, and ear- 
nestly hope it may receive all the encouragement it deserves. 

MEDITATIONS ON THE SACRAMENT. 

Godly Meditations upon the most Holy Sacrament of the Lord's 
Supper. By Christopher Sutton, D. D., late Prebend of West- 
minster, 1 vol. royal IGmo., elegantly ornamented. 

" Tliis very hanrtsome volume forms one anJ a highly favourable specimen 
of tliat v.Unable series of religioas urnrkswith whioii \!essrs. Applelon <S Co. ol 
this city liave favoured the public. Of ihe work itself it is difficult to speak tn» 
liiglily, ami of the publishers' part, it is only necessary to say that it is got up 
;■! the same fine style that characterizes, almost without exception, every publv- 
cation that corues from their hands."' — N. Y. Courier and Enquirer. 

"We announced in our last number the republication in this country, ot 
Sutton's ' Medit-nions on the Lord's Supper,' and having since read the work 
ire prepared to recommend it warmly and wiihotat qualification to inc peru^ai r» 
our readers. It is purely practical : the doctrine of the Eucharist being touched 
upon only in io far as was necessary to guard against error. Its standard of 
piety is very high, and the helps wliich it affords to a de\'oat particip.iiion of 
the holy sacrament of which it treats, .should nial<e it the inseparable conipanion 
of every communicant. We know indeed tJf no work on the suujecl that can in all 
respects be conipaired with it; and U>r its agency in promoting that advancement in 
holines.s alter which every Christian should strive, have no hesitation in classing ii with 
the Treatise on ' Holy Living and Dying,' of Ei^hop Taylor, and the 'Sacra Privata,' 
of Bishop Wilson. The period at which the book was written will account for, and 
excuse what in the present age would be regarded as defects of style ; but these are 
fewer than might have been expected, and aie soon lost sight of in the contemplation 
of the many and great excellencies with which it abounds. The publishers have done 
good service to the country in the publication of this work, which is a beauliful reprint 
of the Oxford edition, and we are glad to learn that it will he speedily followed by lh« 
•Disce Yivere ' *u(i ' Disce Mori ' of the same author."— Conner of the Crost. 

SACRA PRIVATA : 

THE 

Private meditations, I>erotions, and Prayers 

Of the Right Rev. T. Wilson, D. D., Lo d Bishop of Soder and Man, 
First complete edition. 1 vol. royal l6mo., elegantly ornamentett 

"The Messrs. Appleicn liave brought out, inelegant style, Wilson'i' Sacr^ 
Privaia' entire The reprint is an honour to the American pie-s. The work itsel* 
is, perhaps, o:i the whoic, the best devoijonal irealise iu the langujge, aud it u«W 



APPLETON'S DEVOTIONAL LIBRARY. 1 1 

Appears in a dress worthy of iis character. Jt has never before ir. this country 
been priiilcd entire. We siiall say more another lime, hui for the present will only 
urge npou every reader, from niotiv.s of duty and interest, tor private benefit and 
public good, to go to Appleioii's ard buy the book. Buy good books, shuu the 
tioubtful, and burn tlie bad." — Neio-York Churchman. 

HEART'S EASE, 

OR A REMEDY AGAINST ALL TROUBLES; 
WITH A CONSOLATORY DISCOURSE, 
Particularly addressed to those wlio have lost their friends And dear 
relations. By Symon Patrick, D. D , sometime Lord Bishop of 
Ely. 1 vol. royal 16mo., elegantly ornamented. 

A DISCOURSE CONCERNING PP.A.YEP. 

And the Prequenting Daily Public Prayers. By Symon Patrick, 
D. D , sometime Lord Bishop of Ely. Edited by Fi-ancis E. Pa- 
get, M. A Chaplain to the Lord Bishop of Oxford. 1 vol. royal 
16mo., elegantly ornamented. 

' 1 would suifgesi, whetner there can be a more useful present than a good 
>ook ? And to those who think with me in this matter, I would rerommend lwi> 
»ery pre'.ly volumes in e\teriial appearance, whilst they are most excellent !•■. their 
contents. Tliey are both by the same author, Bishop Hntricft, the one ' On Pray- 
er,' and the clier entitled ' Heart's Kase ; or a Remedy asaiiisi all Troubles.' It 
was observed by the dis'inguished ' ecil, that lie had a ^helf in his book case upon 
which h." was ai;i.ustomed to place ' tried authors ;' that is, authors whose opi- 
nions he had examined and judged to b- worthy of confidence. 'I'hese volumes are 
of siicli a chuacler ; and if this article shall be read by one who is wiiling to give 
ills friend* some useful ins'.rucliori with regard to the nature, duty, and ;'dvantag> s 
of prayer, in all its bi a i. die?, he will find it in the first named Volume ; or if the 
reader has a friend in afttictioa, he m ly perhaps relieve the sorrows of the openirg 
your bv placing in the hands of that friend the volume eutitled ' Heart's Ease' "— 
New-York AinerUan. 

Z,E^IIJ%' TO niE, 

Disce Mori, Learn to Die, a Religious Discourse, moving every 
Christian man to enter into a serious remembrance of his end. 
By Christopher Sutton, D. D. sometime Prebend of Westmin- 
ster. 1 vol. 16mo, elegantly printed. 

THOUGHTS IN PAST YEARS. 

A beautiful collection of Poetry, chiefly Devotional. By the author 
of "The Cathedral." 1 vol. royal 16mo., elegantly piinted. 

THE EARLY ENGLISH CHURCH ; 
Or Christian History of England in early British, Saxon, and Norman 
Times. By the Rev. EdwardChurton, M. A. — — Printed uni- 
form in size and binding with tliis library. 

HAM^S PAROCHIAL SERMOIS. 

Sermons to a Country Congregation. By Augustus William Hare 
A. M., late Fellow of New College and Rector of Alton Barnea. 1 
vol. royal 8vo. 

" Anv one who can be pleased with delicacy of thought eicpressed in the moxt 
simple language — any one who can feel the charm of finding praclicil duties elu- 
cidated and enforced by apt and varied illustrations — wiil be delighted with thi» 
volume, which preecnis US withibe workings of a pious aod highly gifted miMi." 
^-^uarterly Review. 



12 



VALUABLE WORKS 



PUBLISHED BY 

D. APPLETON AND COMPANY. 



OC?^ Parents may with entire safety place in the 
hands of their Children any of these cheap, yet 
eleirant Publications. 



-&'- 



TALES FOR THE PEOPLE AND THEIR CHILDREN. 

UZy The greatest care is taken in selecting the works of this popu- 
lar series. Each volume is illustrated with an elegant frontis- 
piece, and bound in superior style. 

The following are now ready — to be had separately, or m uniform 
sets : 

THE POPLAR GROVE ; or, Little Harry and his 
Uncle Benjamin. By Mrs. Copley. 

EARLY FRIENDSHIPS ; by Mrs. Copley. 

THE PEASANT AND THE PRINCE; by Har- 
riet Martineau. 

NORWAY AND THE NORWEGIANS ; or, Feats 
of the Fiord. By Harriet Martineau. 

MASTERMAN READY; or, the Wreck of the 
Pacific. Written for Young People, by Captain 
Marryat. 



VALUABLE WORKS FOR THE YOUNG. J3 

THE LOOKING-GLASS FOR THE MIND ; or. 
Intellectual Mirror. An elegant collection of 
Delightful Stories and Tales : many plates. 

HOPE ON, HOPE EVER ; or, the Boyhood of Fe- 
lix Law. By Mary Howitt. 

STRIVE AND THRIVE; a Tale. By Mary 
Howitt. 

SOWING AND REAPING ; or, What will Come 
of It ? By Mary Howitt. 

WHO SHALL BE GREATEST ? a Tale. By 
Mary Howitt. 

WHICH IS THE WISER? or, People Abroad. 
By Mary Howitt. 

THE DANGERS OF DINING OUT ; or. Hints to 
those who would make Home Happy. To which 
is added the Confessions of a Maniac. By Mrs. 
Ellis. 

SOMERVILLE HALL ; or. Hints to those who 
would make Home Happy. To which is added 
the Rismg Tide. By Mrs. Ellis. 

THE TWIN SISTERS : a Tale. By Mrs. Sandham. 

THE TWO DEFAULTERS : a Tale. By Mrs. 
Griffith, of New York. 

Several other popular works are in preparation. 



SPRING AND SUMMER. 

The Juvenile Naturalist, or Walks in the Country. By the Rev. 
B. H. Draper. A beautiful volume, with fifty plates. 1 vol. 
square, handsomely bound. 

AUTUMN AND WINTER. 

The Juvenile Naturaliat, or Walks in the Country. By the Rev. 
B. H. Draper. A beautiful volume, with many plates, uniform 
•with " Spring and Summer." 



14 VALUABLE "WORKS FOR THE YOUNG. 

PICTORIAL LIFE OF NAPOLEON. 

History of Napoleon Bonaparte, translated from the Frennh of M 
Laurent de L'Ardeche, with five hundred spirited illustrations 
after desiyjns by Horace Vernet, and twenty origfinal Portraits 
engraved in the bf^st style. Complete in two handsome volumes, 
octavo, about five hirndred pages each. 

PICTOE-IAL ROBINSON CRUSOE. 

The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe. By Daniel De Foe 
With a Memoir of the Author, and an Essay on his Writingfs, il- 
lustrated with nrarly five hundred spirited Engravings by the 
celebrated French artist, Grandville, forming one elegant volume 
octavo, of 500 pages. 

PICTORIAL VICAR OF WAKEFIELD. 

The Vicar of Wakefield. By Oliver Goldsmith. Elegantly illus- 
trated with nearly two hundred Engravings, making a beautiful 
volume octavo, of about 300 pages. 

THE STORY OF JOAN OF ARC ; 

By R. M. Evans. One elegant volume, with many plates. A truly 
interesting Historical Juvenile. 

EVENINGS WITH THE CHRONICLERS ; 

OR, UNCLE RUPERT'S TALES OF CHIVALRY. 
By R. M. Evans. Many Illustrations, uniform with Joan of Arc. 

GEMS FROM TRAVELLERS ; 

Illustrative of various passages in Holy Scripture, with nearly one 
hundred Engravings. Among the authorities quoted will be 
found the following distinguished names : Harmer, Labnrde, 
Lane, Madden, Clarke, Pooocke, Chandler, Malcolm, Hartley, 
Russell, Jowitt, Carne, Shawe, Morier, Niebuhr, Bruce, Calmet, 
H. Blunt, Belzoni, Lord Lindsay, &c. 1 vol. 12mo. 

MY SON'S MANUAL ; 

Comprising a Summary View of the Studies, Accomplishments, 
and Principles of Conduct best suited for promoting Respecta- 
bility and Success in Life. Elegantly engraved Frontispiece. 
1 vol. 18mo. 

MY DAUGHTER'S MANUAL ; 

Comprising a Summary View of Female Studies, Accomplish 
nients, and Principles of Conduct. Beaut^ul Frontispiece. 1 
vol. 18mo. 



VALUABLE WORKS FOR THE YOUNG. 15 

A GIFT FROM FAIPvY LAND; 

By the late Secretary of the Navy. Illustrated by 100 unique 
original plates, by Chapman, elegantly bound. 1 vol. 12nio. 

THE YOUNG MAN FROM HOME ; 

In a series of Letters, especially directed for the mural advance- 
ment of Youth. By the Rev. Joha Angell James. Fifth edi- 
tion. 1 vol. 18mo. 



MINIATURE CLASSICAL LIBRARY. 

Great pains has been bestowed in the selection of this unique Li- 
brary. It will comprise the best works of our venerated au- 
thors ; published in an elegant form., with a beautiful frontis- 
piece, tastefully ornamented. The following are now ready : 

GOLDSMITH.— -Essay. By Oliver Goldsmith. 

GOLDSMITH The Vicar of Wakefield. By Oliver 

Goldsmith. 
JOHNSON — The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia, 

a Tale. By Samuel Johnson, LL. D. 
COTTIN. — Elizabeth, or tlie Exiles of Siberia. By Madame 

CoTTiN. The extensive popularity of this little Tale is 

well known. 
ST. PIERRE.— Paul and Virginia; From the French of J 

B. H. De St. Pierre. 

PURS GOLD from the Rivers of Wisdom — A collectiou 
of short extracts on religious subjects from the older writers — 
Bishop Hall, Sherlock, Barrow, Paley, Jeremy Taylor, &c. 

TOKEX OF REMEMBRANCE. 

TOKEX OF AFFECTION. TOKEN OF 

FRIENDSHIP. 

Each Yolunie consists of appropriate Poetical extracts from thq 
principal writers of the day. 



16 Works Puilisnca Oy If. Apptclon <Sf Co. 

A LIBRARY FOR IVIY YOUNG COUNTRYIYIEN. 



A series of instructive works adapted to the youthful mind, of 
a character associated with the annals of our country, has long 
been wanted. This Library is intended to comprise sketches 
of the Lives, Adventures and Discoveries of the early founders 
of America ; also the lives of distinguished men connected 
with American history of more modern date: it is likewise 
intended to include some approved works of English autliors, 
re-edited with additions and explanatory notes. The whole 
charge of the Library is confided to the hands of the popular 
author of " Uncle Philip's'' " Whale Fishery," " Lost Green- 
land," t}"C 4"^- 

The following commence the Series: 

THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF HENRY HUDSON; 

By the author of " Uncle PhiUp's," " Virginia," &c. 

ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH ; 

Founder of Virginia. By the autiior of " Henry Hudson," &c. 

DAWNINGS'OF GENIUS; 

By Anne Pratt, author of " Flowers and their Associations," &c. 

LIFE AND adventures'^" OP HERIIAN CORTES; 

By the author of the " Adventures of Captain John Smith," &c 



THE CROFTON BO YS ; 

A Tale for Youth. Ey Harriet Martineau. author of "The Peasant 
and the Prince," " Norway and the Norwegians," &c. 

Tliis truly interesting and instructive work forms the sixteenth vo- 
lume of tne popular series of "Tales for the People and their 
Children." 

THE OLD OAK TREE; 

A most interesting little volume of practical instruction for youth ; 
illustrated with nearly fifty plates. 

"This volume comprises a series c'T twelve familiar discourses or corjversntions 
which look pUr.e on as many SabbaUi al'letnoons, a pious ohl bljnd man bem^ tlie chief 
speaker, it h by the author of ' John Hardj-,' ' The Footman,' <&r.. and is published 
under the direction of the Society for the promotion of Christian Knowlrtlpe. The 

iitecepts conveyed aie altogether uuc.vfeptionablc. and the whole volume is >vt;llcalcik 
ated to prove attractive with childrsp." — Sul. Chronicle. 



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